If your progress reviews don’t change what happens next, they are records, not reviews.
Progress reviews are one of the most important tools providers have to connect learning, workplace development and the apprentice’s next steps. Too often, they are shaped by compliance pressure rather than apprentice development. In the current apprenticeship market, that isn’t sustainable.
Apprenticeship reforms are shifting expectations, there is increasing scrutiny of off-the-job training, and growing pressure to demonstrate real curriculum impact. Providers need progress reviews that are sharper, more purposeful, and more defensible, without creating unnecessary administration.
Ofsted’s findings reinforce why they matter. Recurring feedback on weaker apprenticeship provision highlights:
- off-the-job training squeezed by workloads
- poor alignment between on and off-the-job learning
- curriculum driven by compliance rather than learning
- apprentices insufficiently prepared for assessment or progression
- progress reviews taking place without employers
This advanced masterclass is designed specifically for experienced apprenticeship professionals who want progress reviews that genuinely move learning forward and stand up to scrutiny.
Across two practical sessions, you’ll learn how to:
- set sharper learning objectives and stretch targets that drive real progression
- connect curriculum intent, off-the-job activity and workplace development
- adapt the depth, pace and focus of reviews for apprentices making different rates of progress, including those requiring additional support or stretch
- turn review conversations into clear decisions, responsibilities and next steps
- Use digital tools (including AI) to strengthen evidence without drowning in paperwork
You’ll come away with practical examples and straightforward changes you can apply immediately. You’ll also receive a certificate of attendance for your professional development records.
About your session
The sessions will be facilitated by Chris Cherry, an SDN Mesma Group specialist in apprenticeship on-programme training and assessment.
Chris has supported hundreds of apprenticeship organisations to develop their approach to progress reviews and will draw on that experience to explore the practical challenges practitioners face and what stronger practice looks like.
This advanced masterclass is designed for experienced apprenticeship trainers, tutors, assessors, skills coaches and mentors who want to strengthen the impact of their reviews. It’s also useful for managers and quality professionals responsible for consistency, quality and improvement across apprenticeship delivery.
“This is just the ticket! Very engaging, informative, and fun to listen to. I’ve learned more in the first 15 minutes than the previous 15 years..”
– Event attendee
Booking and payment:
You can either attend the live session or be sent the recording and materials if you prefer to go through it in your own time but we highly reccommend attending live to get the most out of this interactive session.
If you have several staff who would benefit, let us know and we’ll send you details of the most cost-effective way of accessing the session.
If you’re a public sector body (e.g. Local Authority), and unable to book via card, please email us. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)
Any questions, please email us.
SDN Mesma Group CPD is designed for Government funded Training Providers. If you’re not a Government funded Training Provider but are still interested in attending please email events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk to discuss your attendance in more detail before booking.
Advanced masterclass breakdown
- 2 x 90-minute online sessions
- Session recordings and slide decks
- Hands-on tasks between sessions
- Optional expert coaching
- Certificate of attendance
Dates: Thursday 21 & 28 January 2027 – 2pm – 3.30pm
Ticket options:
Two part workshop for £195 (+VAT)
Two part group ticket option (max 5 attendees) for £395 (+VAT)
In-house delivery
If you have a group of individuals interested, we can host a bespoke version for your organisation and tailor the content to you.
Please get in contact, and we can chat through your requirements and timescales:
T: 01622 962 411