EAL latest news and updates – October 2026

News & updates

Qualification updates - October 2026

We’re pleased to bring you the latest updates on qualifications this month. This edition covers a range of changes, including new qualifications, amendments to qualification structures, extensions following review, and document updates.

Explore the updates

See what EAL gets up to with our EAL in Action series on LinkedIn 

Follow us on LinkedIn for a weekly takeover by a member of the EAL team, to see what the team has been up to. 

Follow us on LinkedIn

Check out our EAL Explains series 

Finding the right route into education or training can raise plenty of questions. Our EAL Explains series breaks down key topics in technical education and skills in a simple, accessible way.

Our latest blog posts explore where to find apprenticeships and how to apply, and how T Levels, A Levels and BTECs compare. 

Read the blogs to understand your options and take your next step with confidence.

Explore EAL news and insights

WorldSkills UK National Competitions

With the WorldSkills UK National Competitions fast approaching, we’d like to wish everyone taking part the very best of luck! EAL is proud to sponsor the Fabrication category, and we look forward to cheering on the competitors in Wales on 18 and 19 November.

Find out more about the WorldSkills UK National Competitions

New podcast with Skills Minister Jacqui Smith 

What could changes to technical education and apprenticeships mean for young people and employers? In an episode of Steph on Skills: Powered by Enginuity, Steph McGovern spoke to Skills Minister Jacqui Smith about vocational learning from age 14, work experience and connecting schools with local employers.

Read our blog to find out how these plans could help shape future routes into skilled careers

T Levels Week: Celebrating technical skills and future talent

To mark T Levels Week, we celebrated the learners, educators and employers helping shape the next generation of technical talent. We highlighted how T Levels combine technical knowledge with industry experience, alongside EAL’s role in supporting qualifications across engineering, manufacturing and construction.

Read our blog to explore how T Levels help young people build skills, confidence and routes into their future careers.

Discover more

Events

Apprenticeship Assessment Reform: What it means for you -  In-person event

Join EAL for an exclusive in-person event designed to help you understand the latest Apprenticeship Assessment Plan (AAP) reforms, the transition from End-Point Assessment (EPA) to AAP, what they mean for your organisation, and how to successfully prepare for the changes ahead.

• Event date: 25 Nov 2026
• Location: Make UK Technology Hub, 6 Nobel Way, Birmingham, B6 7EU

Register now

EAL Electrical Educators Network 2026 - In-person event

Join EAL for a morning of connection, sharing ideas and exchanging best practices in Building Services Engineering.

This event is designed to be informal, collaborative, and discussion-led and will bring together educators, assessors, curriculum leaders, and training providers. Through roundtable discussions, facilitated group sessions and peer networking, attendees will have the opportunity to share challenges, exchange best practice, discuss curriculum delivery and assessment approaches, and identify future collaborations.

• Event date: 29 Jan 2027
• Location: Bath College, Somer Valley Campus

Register now

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