AoC launches nationwide professional development for new post-16 pathways

A new professional development programme (PD) to support the transition to the new post-16 education and training pathways will officially launch in September 2026, the Association of Colleges (AoC) has announced.

The Technical and Vocational Professional Development (TVPD) programme, funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered by the AoC, will provide evidence-informed PD for further education (FE) staff, as well as targeted organisational support to ensure there is quality delivery of T Levels, V Levels and Level 2 pathways.  

Building on AoC’s extensive experience supporting providers through technical education reform, the programme will run for three years and will combine subject-specific training, employer-led sessions delivered in partnership with the Skills Federation, peer collaboration and strategic support for leadership teams, creating the infrastructure needed for sector-led transformation.

An advisory board of sector experts and membership bodies will ensure that all provider types, employers and awarding organisations s are properly represented and included in the programme. To date, members of the board include the Association of School and College Leaders, the Confederation of School Trusts, Baker Dearing Trust, the Federation of Awarding Bodies, Association of Employment and Learning Providers, Education Endowment Foundation, Gatsby Foundation and the Skills Federation.

As part of the programme, AoC will appoint nine Technical and Vocational Excellence (TVE) Hubs, one in each of England’s nine regions: East, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber. These hubs will act as regional leads and will receive funding to take responsibility for shaping and implementing subject-specific PD within their region, while also driving engagement across providers and stakeholders.  Applications to become a TVE hub open today.

David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges, said: “We are really excited to hit the ground running with the new Technical and Vocational Professional Development (TVPD) programme. The introduction of V Levels and new Level 2 qualifications, alongside the ongoing delivery of T Levels, is a massive undertaking for the sector, and it’s important that providers are fully supported and equipped to deliver high-quality technical and vocational education that meets the needs of learners and industry.

“Over the summer we will be doing a lot of work behind the scenes to get the programme ready for the autumn, particularly in appointing the nine TVE hubs who will sit at the heart of this PD offer, building capacity from within the sector for the sector. With such a depth of knowledge and expertise in the education sector, I am sure there will be no shortage of applicants.”

You can find out more about the programme and application process to become a TVE hub here.