Moving On Up Network receives special message from Jacqui Smith, Skills Minister

The Moving On Up Network held its 7^th insightful and inspiring meeting during National Apprenticeship Week 2025, chaired by Jonny Hoyle. The meeting opened with a special welcome message from Apprenticeships and Skills Minister, Jacqui Smith, who shared her appreciation for the network.

“It’s great to see training providers, employers, young people and the organisations that support them coming together to make sure that talent meets opportunity”.

The members benefitted from a packed agenda including hearing from:

Members of the Care X network, Chloe, Katie and Victoria joined the panel, expertly chaired by Toni. Through the discussions, they reflected on their apprenticeship journey and the importance of supporting care-experienced apprentices with digital connection, travel, housing, and leisure.

Liz Sahu, LLR NHS Universal Family, presented the work they are doing supporting Care Leavers into employment and shared the challenges and the outcomes of the 4 – week programme.

Gareth Evans from the Care Leaver Covenant explored the distinctive pilot project and provided a snapshot of the ambition and how a large network of colleagues has pulled together to support more young people into meaningful employment opportunities.

During National Apprenticeship Week, the Department for Education announced some changes to apprenticeship rules and we were fortunate to have Paul Russell, Post-16 Disadvantage and Apprenticeships Social Mobility Manager at DfE, who shared insights into the latest information about the changes to the English and maths requirements and the minimum duration of apprenticeships being reduced to 8 months. Paul also encouraged those supporting care experienced apprentices to claim the bursary.

Are you interested in joining the network?

The Network has nearly 600 members from across the sector and would like to welcome anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and awareness of the challenges care-experienced individuals face in accessing apprenticeships  – why not join us and sign up for free here.

The full welcome message can be viewed here.