Call for Proposals – Inaugural ICAD Convening

The International Center for the Apprenticeship Degree (ICAD) is delighted to announce our inaugural convening, set against the historic and inspiring backdrop of the University of Oxford. This landmark event will unite global leaders in higher education, workforce development, industry, and policy to reimagine education and workforce systems for the 21st century.

Conference Theme: Transforming Higher Education for the 21st Century

The ICAD 2025 Convening will explore cutting-edge innovations, proven strategies, and forward-looking models integrating education and employment through the Apprenticeship Degree framework. This model bridges the gap between earning and learning, providing paid work opportunities from day one while achieving higher education degrees, often without the debt burden of traditional degrees.

Call for Proposals: Share Your Expertise

We invite policymakers, thought leaders, practitioners, scholars, and innovators from across the world to submit proposals for sessions illuminating actionable solutions and impactful approaches to advancing the Apprenticeship Degree model. Sessions should align with one of the following four strands:

Submit a Proposal

Strand 1: Policy Formulation and Implementation

Outline of specific country model(s): Highlights key policy instruments, financial, legislative and regulatory, to engage higher education providers in Apprenticeship Degree enrollments.
Comparative policy analysis: Compares multiple country apprenticeship systems against the objective of achieving degree level skills via a work-based model.

Strand 2: Leading on Delivery

Operational Delivery Models: Explores innovative approaches to delivering apprenticeship programs, including hybrid, in-person, and virtual models.
Credentials and Curriculum: Shares insights into designing and implementing curricula that balance academic rigor and practical competency-based skills development, including the use of third-party credentials, micro-credentials and industry certifications.

Strand 3: Activating and Engaging Employers

Engagement and Implementation: Highlights strategies for identifying and recruiting employers to implement the Apprenticeship Degree model in their hiring strategies.
Marketing, Outreach, and Alumni: Discuss effective techniques for marketing apprenticeship opportunities, use of financial incentives, engaging prospective apprentices, and leveraging alumni networks for program development.

Strand 4: Maximizing Apprentice Experience

Quality: Address methods for ensuring a high-quality apprenticeship experience, including mentoring, support systems, and employer oversight.
Progression: Explore pathways for apprentices to advance within their careers, including upskilling and post-apprenticeship opportunities.
Data analytics: Quantitative methods used to track progression, including wage data and other formal survey methods.

Session Details

Each session will run for 60 minutes and should emphasize practical applications and solutions. Formats can include workshops, panel discussions, demos, or interactive presentations tailored to an audience of global apprenticeship degree stakeholders.

Benefits for Presenters

Recognition as a pioneer in degree apprenticeship education and workforce transformation
Access to the Inaugural ICAD Convening at a discounted rate
Inclusion in promotional materials and social media features
Opportunities to connect with a network of international leaders

Submission Guidelines

The deadline for submissions is March 15th. Proposals will be reviewed by our selection committee, and notifications will be sent by April 15th. Selected speakers will receive additional details on next steps, including a pre-conference briefing call.

Speaker Responsibilities

Register for the conference and arrange travel/accommodations
Submit finalized materials by July 15th
Coordinate with co-presenters (if applicable)

For more information, contact us directly.

Join us in Oxford to shape the future of global education and workforce transformation. We look forward to your contribution!

Frequently Asked Questions

What key elements should my proposal include?

Proposals should address all prompts outlined in the submission process. Proposals will be asked to provide key organizational information, presentation logistics, and a brief narrative on your presentation topic.

Are registration fees waived for presenters?

Presenters must register for the conference, but a discounted registration rate is offered. Please wait to register until you receive notification about your acceptance of the proposal to ensure eligibility for the presenter discount.

Who evaluates the submitted proposals?

Proposals are reviewed by a panel comprising NCAD staff and ICAD/NCAD senior advisors.

When and how will I be notified about the status of my proposal?

All applicants will be notified of their proposal status by May 15. This timeline is designed to allow ample time for travel planning to Oxford.

What happens if a presenter cannot attend or needs to be replaced after acceptance?

If a conflict arises, please contact ICAD at melanie.harddcastle@gmail.com as soon as possible. Presenter substitutions may be permitted but are subject to ICAD’s approval.

What is the typical length of conference presentations?

Sessions are 60 minutes long, and presenters should allocate a minimum of ten minutes within their session for Q&A.

Can multiple proposals be submitted from the same organization?

Yes, organizations may submit multiple proposals. However, ICAD will strive to ensure a balanced representation of submissions across organizations.

Will feedback be provided for proposals that are not accepted?

Due to the high volume of submissions, ICAD is unable to provide individual feedback on proposal decisions.

Am I required to provide handouts or materials for attendees?

Printed handouts are not required. Please note that printing resources at Oxford are limited, so it is advisable to plan accordingly if you intend to provide handouts.

Questions?