| Lancaster & Morecambe College has officially become a SIAS Approved Centre, marking a major step forward in expanding access to future-ready qualifications that support innovation, sustainability and the industrial transition across the UK.
As part of this new partnership, Lancaster & Morecambe College will be delivering a range of modern, regulated qualifications, including:
These qualifications are designed to prepare learners with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in industries undergoing rapid transformation – from digital technologies like AI to the hydrogen economy and the UK’s journey toward net zero. Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “We’re thrilled that Lancaster & Morecambe College are now a SIAS Approved Centre. This partnership isn’t just about delivering qualifications – it’s about unlocking the future. By embedding artificial intelligence and hydrogen into the skills system, Lancaster & Morecambe College is helping to shape the workforce that will power tomorrow’s economy. “We’re here to spark innovation, fuel ambition and push skills forward at the pace of change. Working with Lancaster & Morecambe College, we’re building more than pathways for learners – we’re creating a movement that connects skills, innovation and industry for lasting impact.” Daniel Braithwaite, Principal & Chief Executive of Lancaster & Morecambe College commented: “Our college is delighted to be working in partnership with a forward thinking Awarding Organisation like SIAS. This relationship will further enhance our current curriculum offer to meet the needs of the business community in the area. “From the initial conversations through to becoming an accredited centre the journey has been seamless with support from SIAS Head of Commercial and colleagues at every point to ensure we can respond to the growing demand for skills in key sectors such as Sustainability and Engineering. We look forward to a productive partnership that will benefit businesses and the communities we serve.” With AI reshaping industries and hydrogen redefining energy, this partnership puts learners at the cutting edge of change. Together, SIAS and Lancaster & Morecambe College are building momentum for a future where skills, technology, and ambition move forward – faster. For more information about these qualifications and other awarding services, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com. |
Welcome to the first edition of SIAS’ Quarterly Update and to the new academic year. We’re introducing this regular publication to share insights into the issues shaping our sector and to give me the opportunity to reflect on some of the big themes influencing skills policy and practice.
It feels particularly timely that our first edition coincides with the first anniversary of SIAS becoming an Awarding Organisation. This milestone has allowed us to broaden our role in the skills ecosystem, build on our apprenticeship assessment foundations, and position ourselves to support learners, employers, and providers in new ways.
Unprecedented Times
Even in a sector that is no stranger to reform, the scale and pace of current change is striking. Rarely have we seen such a wide-ranging policy agenda moving at such speed. Apprenticeship assessment reforms, levy changes, the introduction of foundation apprenticeships, and the conclusion of the curriculum and assessment review are all happening in parallel.
That brings both challenge and opportunity. For employers and providers, it means adjusting delivery models, navigating uncertainty, and planning for new frameworks. For learners, it risks complexity and disruption unless the transition is carefully managed. For awarding organisations like SIAS, it requires agility, investment, and strong collaboration with partners. But if managed well, this period could reshape the skills landscape in positive, lasting ways.
I want to focus on the four key areas of change and my thoughts around them…
Apprenticeship Assessment Reforms
The apprenticeship reforms are arguably the most significant shift. We welcome the move towards a principles-based approach to assessment. By reducing prescription, the system creates space for awarding organisations to design more flexible, innovative, and industry-responsive assessment strategies. Employers will still play a central role in shaping assessment plans, ensuring they remain relevant to sector needs.
There are also important safeguards. The continued emphasis on independent assessment ensures rigour, consistency, and credibility – something employers and learners have consistently valued since the move from frameworks to standards. And, aligning reforms with industrial growth strategy priorities reinforces the importance of apprenticeships in areas like clean energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
Yet, challenges remain. The proposed timeline for transitioning hundreds of occupational standards feels ambitious. Without clear phasing and adequate lead-in time, we risk destabilising providers, employers, and learners. Questions also remain about how to manage learners already in programme – clarity on transition rules will be vital to avoid inequities.
At SIAS, we’re already working closely with partners to prepare, offering reassurance that we will communicate consistently, provide the support needed, and put learner and employer outcomes at the heart of every decision.
Apprenticeship Levy Reform
From April, the new Growth and Skills Levy will give employers flexibility to allocate part of their funds to non-apprenticeship skills solutions. This is a positive step if it unlocks investment in modern, modular, accredited provision that meets evolving workforce needs.
However, the detail will matter. If flexibility extends too far, there’s a risk the market becomes flooded with unregulated, inconsistent provision. That would create confusion, dilute quality, and undermine the levy’s credibility. The real opportunity lies in creating a framework where levy-funded alternatives are high quality, portable, and aligned to national skills priorities.
For SIAS, this development plays directly to our strengths. As an awarding organisation, we already design qualifications and accredited provision that meet employer demand. We are well placed to support businesses seeking high-quality, flexible training solutions that maximise the value of their levy investment.
Foundation Apprenticeships
The introduction of Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeships is another significant reform, aimed at providing an accessible entry point for young people, particularly those for whom traditional routes have not worked. With over a million young people currently not in education, employment or training, this initiative is both timely and necessary.
While reactions in the market have been mixed, I believe strongly in their potential as a tool for social mobility. They offer learners the chance to “get on the ladder” and progress to full apprenticeships, higher-level qualifications, and ultimately, meaningful careers.
SIAS was proud to be the first awarding organisation approved to assess the engineering and manufacturing foundation apprenticeship. This aligns with our STEM specialism and demonstrates our commitment to pathways that provide opportunity for all. Looking ahead, as more foundation apprenticeships emerge in other industrial strategy areas, we intend to be at the forefront of their delivery.
Curriculum and Assessment Review
The long-awaited review of Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications is set to conclude this autumn. For awarding organisations, this is particularly important, as the moratorium on funding for new qualifications has constrained innovation. Greater clarity on the funding landscape is urgently needed to allow high-quality qualifications to be developed and delivered at scale.
While some streamlining is sensible, too many qualifications can confuse learners and employers, there is a risk of narrowing choice too far. A diverse, competitive awarding landscape fosters innovation, quality, and best practice. If reforms overly centralise or reduce options, the sector could lose some of its dynamism.
At SIAS, we are ready to adapt and contribute to a refined qualifications system but one that balances efficiency with sufficient breadth to meet varied learner and employer needs.
Looking Ahead
The next 18–24 months will be a time of change and uncertainty, but also of immense possibility. At SIAS, we have invested in capacity, capability, and innovation. That positions us strongly to support our partners through the transition while also seizing the opportunities emerging from reform.
In two years’ time, I see SIAS firmly established as the UK’s leading STEM-specialist awarding organisation. We will have transitioned smoothly into the new apprenticeship model, grown our qualifications portfolio, and strengthened our role in industrial growth strategy areas such as life sciences, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and nuclear and defence.
This moment of change is demanding, but it is also a moment to be bold. Together with our partners, we have the opportunity not just to adapt, but to shape a skills system that better serves learners, employers, and society for the future.
South Thames Colleges Group – Kingston College, becomes SIAS Approved Centre – Expanding future skills in Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence September 24, 2025South Thames Colleges Group (STCG) – Kingston College has been officially approved as a SIAS Approved Centre. This new partnership will see the College deliver innovative qualifications that address two of the most critical drivers of change for UK businesses – sustainability and artificial intelligence.
Learners at Kingston College will now have access to:
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, commented: “We are delighted to welcome South Thames Colleges Group – Kingston College as a SIAS Approved Centre. Together, we’re embedding sustainability and artificial intelligence into the core of technical and vocational education, equipping learners with the skills that will drive the future economy.
“By combining SIAS’s forward-looking, regulated qualifications with STCG – Kingston College’s deep expertise and reach, we’re opening up new pathways for learners and strengthening the pipeline of talent for employers. I’m personally looking forward to working closely with the team at the College as we push innovation forward, support real-world progress, and build the skills that employers truly need in a fast-changing world.”
STCG said “At South Thames Colleges Group, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills that meet both current and future industry demands. By integrating SIAS sustainability and AI qualifications into our Engineering, IT, and Science programmes, we are ensuring our learners leave college with enhanced expertise that aligns with the government’s skills agenda. This partnership with SIAS is already making a significant impact, and we are excited to continue growing this collaboration to deliver even more innovative opportunities for our students.”
This milestone underlines the importance of bold, forward-looking partnerships in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. By working together, SIAS and South Thames College Group – Kingston College are helping learners develop the insight and confidence to thrive in industries that are rapidly evolving.
For more information about these qualifications and other awarding services, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com.
Northern Regional College becomes the next SIAS Approved Centre in Northern Ireland September 17, 2025Northern Regional College becomes the next SIAS Approved Centre in Northern Ireland – strengthening skills provision in safety, energy and emerging technologies.
Northern Regional College (NRC) has officially become a SIAS Approved Centre, marking a significant step in expanding access to regulated qualifications that support the region’s skills development and energy transition.
As part of this new partnership, NRC will be delivering a number of SIAS qualifications available in Northern Ireland, including:
· SIAS Level 2 Award in Process Safety Awareness
· SIAS Level 2 Award in the Introduction to Hydrogen Safety.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Northern Regional College as our second SIAS Approved Centre in Northern Ireland. This is an important step in strengthening skills provision around process safety and hydrogen — two critical areas in supporting the region’s industrial transition and energy future.
“NRC’s commitment to delivering high-quality training aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare a future-ready workforce, supporting learners, employers and industries to thrive. We look forward to building on this partnership to drive innovation, collaboration and lasting impact across Northern Ireland.”
Christine Brown Curriculum Director of Northern Regional College added, “Becoming a SIAS Approved Centre marks a significant milestone in our mission to deliver industry-relevant, future-focused education. These new qualifications in process safety and hydrogen align directly with the needs of Northern Ireland’s evolving energy and industrial sectors. We are proud to partner with SIAS to equip our learners with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a rapidly changing world, while supporting the region’s transition to a sustainable future.”
This collaboration represents a step change for skills in Northern Ireland. By working together, SIAS and Northern Regional College are not just responding to industry needs — they are leading the way, creating lasting impact for learners, employers and the region’s future.
For more information about these qualifications and other awarding services, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com
Government Technical Teachers Training College Hayatabad Peshawar Becomes SIAS’s First Approved Centre in Pakistan, A Landmark Partnership to Empower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Youth and Strengthen Global Workforce Mobility August 19, 2025Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has achieved a historic milestone with the Government Technical Teachers Training College Hayatabad Peshawar, Centre of Excellence, officially becoming the first SIAS Approved Centre in Pakistan. This internationally recognised accreditation marks a revolutionary step in delivering world-class vocational education and training opportunities to the province’s youth.
This achievement has been made possible through close collaboration between SIAS UK and GIZ, supported by Team Europe’s TVET Sector Support Programme. The partnership reflects SIAS’s strategic commitment to international expansion, building global training capacity, and enabling international workforce mobility and global talent development, both of which remain key priorities for large STEM employers worldwide.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said:
“I am thrilled and proud to welcome Government Technical Teachers Training College Hayatabad Peshawar as our first SIAS Approved Centre in Pakistan, as our international footprint at SIAS continues to grow.
This milestone reflects our shared commitment with the Centre in Peshawar, and other key supporting TVET stakeholders and partners in country, including GIZ Pakistan, to deliver internationally benchmarked qualifications and accredited programmes which empower global workforce mobility.
By aligning with industry needs and ensuring training provision delivers consistency, relevance, and portability, we’re helping to raise the bar for STEM skills development in Pakistan, supporting people to be more successful as part of an increasingly connected international workforce”
A Revolutionary Step for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The newly accredited facility represents a first for the province, an internationally recognised training hub designed to prepare learners for high-demand technical careers. The Centre will provide training programmes that meet the highest international standards, ensuring graduates can compete confidently in both domestic and overseas job markets.
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has emphasised that youth are the province’s most valuable asset, and this accreditation will bring world-class training within their reach. It will equip young people with the skills to thrive in the modern economy and create new employment opportunities nationally and internationally.
The launch of SIAS-accredited training in Pakistan is not only a milestone for the country’s technical and vocational education system but also a vital part of SIAS’s wider international strategy. By combining local delivery with internationally benchmarked qualifications, this partnership will strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global skills market, support international workforce mobility, and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals across STEM sectors.
For more information about SIAS qualifications and training opportunities in Pakistan, please contact info@siasuk.com or visit www.siasuk.com.
Verciti becomes a SIAS Approved Centre to deliver SIAS Accredited Immersive Net Zero Training August 14, 2025Verciti becomes a SIAS Approved Centre to deliver SIAS Accredited Immersive Net Zero Training
Verciti has been officially recognised as a SIAS Approved Centre, joining a growing network of training providers delivering industry-relevant, regulated SIAS programmes. Known for their Immersive Net Zero Training, Verciti brings a bold and innovative approach to future skills – offering learners the opportunity to develop critical capabilities across clean energy sectors such as hydrogen, solar, and electrification.
This partnership marks a significant step in expanding access to high-impact, future-ready training. With a shared focus on innovation and industry alignment, SIAS and Verciti are working together to deliver the skills needed to power the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said:
“At SIAS, we exist to power the next generation of STEM talent – and we do that by partnering with providers who are shaping the future of skills. Verciti’s immersive, industry-led training model aligns perfectly with our mission to break with outdated traditions and deliver qualifications that move at the speed of industry.
By joining us as a SIAS Approved Centre, Verciti is helping drive a skills revolution – building the confidence, capability, and creativity learners need to lead the transition to a net zero future.”
Tony Smith, Technical Training Manager at Verciti, added:
“Our mission at Verciti has always been to deliver training that doesn’t just tick boxes but transforms how people learn and apply their skills. Achieving SIAS Approved Centre status validates our commitment to providing immersive, industry-led experiences that prepare learners for the real demands of the net zero economy. Together with SIAS, we’re creating a pathway for professionals to gain the qualifications, confidence, and adaptability they need to thrive in the clean energy transition.”
Together, SIAS and Verciti are redefining what future-focused training looks like and ensuring that today’s learners are ready to solve tomorrow’s energy challenges.
For more information about this SIAS Accreditation or our regulated qualifications, please contact: partnerships@siasuk.com
| Yeovil College has been officially recognised as a SIAS Approved Centre to deliver a brand-new suite of regulated SIAS qualifications, designed to support the rapidly growing hydrogen sector. Yeovil has also become SIAS’s 100th Provider Partner – a collaboration built on shared values of innovation, quality, and responsiveness to industry needs.
As part of this partnership, Yeovil College will be delivering the full suite of regulated SIAS L2 Hydrogen qualifications from September 2025 – offering modern, modular, and accessible entry points into hydrogen industry: · SIAS Level 2 Award in the Introduction to Hydrogen Safety · SIAS Level 2 Award in the Introduction to Hydrogen Production · SIAS Level 2 Award in the Introduction to Hydrogen Storage · SIAS Level 2 Award in the Introduction to Hydrogen Transportation and Distribution Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “At SIAS, we know that meaningful change in the skills system happens when innovation meets strong, values-driven partnerships. That’s why our collaboration with Yeovil College to deliver these qualifications is such an exciting and impactful development. “From September 2025, Yeovil College will deliver these qualifications within their state-of-the-art Hydrogen Training Facility, a pioneering hub that will serve both new learners and upskilling professionals across the South West. “This partnership not only strengthens the region’s capacity to respond to the growing demand for green skills but also plays a key role in supporting the UK’s wider transition to a low-carbon economy.” Alex Clancy, Assistant Principal – Employer Engagement, Yeovil College commented: “Becoming SIAS’s 100th Provider Partner now that we’re a SIAS Approved Centre, is a proud milestone for Yeovil College. Our partnership with SIAS is built on shared values of innovation, quality, and responsiveness to industry needs. “The support and expertise we’ve received throughout the approval process have been exceptional, and we’re excited to now be delivering the UK’s first regulated hydrogen safety qualifications. As an Approved Centre, we look forward to equipping learners and employers with the skills and confidence to lead in the green economy, contribute meaningfully to the transition to net zero, and deliver further innovative qualifications in partnership with SIAS.” By integrating these industry-designed, future-focused qualifications into their curriculum, Yeovil College is ensuring that local learners have direct access to some of the most relevant and forward-thinking skills development in the country. This collaboration not only supports the College’s commitment to regional employers, but also contributes to the broader UK strategy for clean energy and green skills. For more information about this qualification and other awarding services, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com. |
Wigan & Leigh College has officially been approved as a SIAS Approved Centre and is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation-focused education. Launching in September 2025, this partnership marks a significant milestone as SIAS unveils a brand-new suite of regulated Innovation Qualifications to support Industry, developed in collaboration with Wigan & Leigh College and the Further Education Innovation Fund.
These modern qualifications have been designed to equip learners with the mindset, knowledge, and tools needed to drive innovation, sustainability, and efficiency across any industry setting, super-charging businesses and sparking growth in the region and nationally.
As part of this exciting collaboration, SIAS and Wigan & Leigh College are proud to launch:
Whether delivered in the workplace or in a mixed-business classroom, these qualifications empower individuals to turn ideas into action and lead change.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “We are delighted to welcome Wigan & Leigh College as a SIAS Approved Centre. Their forward-thinking approach and strong employer links make them the perfect organisation to be a first mover delivery partner for our new regulated Innovation Qualifications.
“At SIAS, we’re committed to powering futures and shaping the next generation of talent. This partnership reflects our shared mission to deliver bold, meaningful change through qualifications that drive innovation, sustainability, and strategic thinking across sectors. By working together, we’re creating impactful, industry-aligned learning that reflects the pace and needs of tomorrow’s industries.
“SIAS isn’t just an awarding organisation – we’re a movement. And we’re proud to move forward with Wigan & Leigh College as we continue to spark innovation, unlock potential, and deliver lasting impact.”
Anna Dawe, Principal of Wigan & Leigh College, commented:
“We are proud to be working with SIAS to pioneer this exciting new suite of qualifications. Innovation is critical to the future of our economy, and these courses will equip both learners and businesses with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“At Wigan & Leigh College, we are committed to providing forward-thinking, industry-relevant education that prepares our students for success and this partnership is a perfect example of that commitment in action.”
This strategic partnership reflects SIAS’s unwavering commitment to supporting the UK’s technical education landscape – and to creating future-ready qualifications that make a difference.
For more information about this qualification and other awarding services, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com.
Confederation of Paper Industries consortium June 27, 2025
SIAS is absolutely delighted to be the chosen Awarding Organisation to partner with the Confederation of Paper Industries consortium to develop and deliver new qualifications that support this vital sector and ensure a highly skilled, future-ready workforce.
This strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to developing cutting-edge, industry-aligned training that meets the evolving needs of the UK paper industry and supports long-term sustainability and innovation.
The UK’s paper-based industries are essential to everyday life – from packaging and hygiene products to sustainability leadership and job creation across the country. With no existing vocational papermaking courses available in the UK, this initiative fills a critical gap and provides a practical pathway for young people to enter the industry.
Andy Barnetson, Executive Director – Competitiveness at CPI, commented:
“The UK’s paper-based industries underpin countless aspects of modern life – from food and e-commerce packaging to essential hygiene products. We’re proud stewards of a renewable, recyclable raw material, and our sector plays a vital role in the UK’s social, economic, and environmental wellbeing. But our future depends on developing the right skills. That’s why this qualification is so important – it ensures we attract and train the next generation of papermakers who will keep this essential industry thriving.”
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside the Confederation of Paper Industries to support one of the UK’s most essential sectors. This partnership is the perfect example of how collaboration can drive forward innovation and workforce development. At SIAS, we’re focused on powering the future of UK industry through bold, practical, and impactful qualifications – and this marks a major step in that journey. We’re looking forward to sharing more details of this partnership soon.”
For more information on our services and products, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com
International Women in Engineering Day 2025 – Andrea Roberts June 23, 2025For this International Women in Engineering Day, we’re proud to spotlight Andrea Roberts, our Lead Internal Quality Assurer. Her story reflects what SIAS stands for: challenging outdated traditions, unlocking potential, and powering the next generation of talent.
Thank you taking the time to speak to us on International Women in Engineering Day 2025.
Please could you introduce yourself and provide an overview of your career journey?
Hello, I’m Andrea Roberts, Lead Internal Quality Assurer at SIAS. I’ve been here almost three years now. My background is in electrical and instrumentation engineering, mainly in the petrochemical and industrial sectors. I started as an apprentice and over time moved into mentoring, assessing, and eventually quality assurance. My role at SIAS bridges the gap between the quality team and assessors, ensuring standards stay high while also being practical and fair.
What was your first role in engineering, and how did it shape your career?
I started my apprenticeship at 18 with a company in Manchester, at a time when few women worked in engineering. I was the only female engineer on a site of 2,000 people. That experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of proving yourself through hard work. It gave me a solid technical foundation and shaped my approach to every role since.
Can you share a success story where your engineering insight made a measurable impact?
At SIAS, I helped improve our approach to standardisation and assessment quality. I’ve worked to bring structure and clarity to how assessments are delivered, using my practical experience to support assessors and explain challenges to the quality team. It’s made our approach more aligned, realistic, and effective.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and how did you overcome them?
Being the only woman in a male-dominated environment came with its challenges. I had to adapt quickly and prove my capability. At the time, some people didn’t expect a woman to do the job, but I earned respect by working hard, taking on responsibility, and showing I could do the work just as well as anyone else.
What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you personally?
It’s a chance to highlight the value women bring to engineering – skills like organisation, logical thinking, and creativity. It’s also about breaking outdated stereotypes and showing young women that engineering is a diverse, exciting field with real opportunities for everyone.
What message would you give to women considering or starting an engineering apprenticeship?
Follow your heart. If engineering is what you want to do, go for it. Focus on your training, stay determined, and don’t let anyone discourage you. There’s now more apprenticeship opportunities for women – work hard, be curious, and focus on doing what you love.