Canny Conversations Podcast by Safaraz Ali

What if the key to solving the UK's productivity puzzle lies in transforming apprenticeships? Join us as Dr. Mandy Crawford-Lee, FRSA, Chief Executive of the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC), unveils the extraordinary evolution of apprenticeships over UVAC's 25-year history. Mandy, the first female chief executive of UVAC, shares her inspiring journey and the organization's monumental role in advocating higher-level technical and professional education across more than 80 UK universities.
Explore how apprenticeships have shifted from low-skilled programs to pivotal drivers of national productivity and social mobility. We'll highlight the essential need for high-level skills, especially in fields such as nursing and digital technologies, and discuss why a national debate on employer investment is critical now more than ever. Uncover the pressing need for leadership and management training to break through productivity barriers and the importance of bridging further and higher education to meet diverse sectoral demands.
In this insightful conversation, we also tackle the complexities and benefits of the apprenticeship levy system. Mandy discusses the controversial removal of the master's degree requirement from senior leader level seven apprenticeships, the flexibility of levy funds for employers, and the remarkable success stories within public sectors like the NHS and police forces. Discover how universities are leveraging levy transfers to uplift SMEs and local communities, and learn why maximizing the impact and flexibility of the apprenticeship levy is integral for the future of workforce development.

What is Canny Conversations Podcast by Safaraz Ali?

Canny Conversations Podcast by Safaraz Ali Social Entrepreneur, CEO of Pathway Group and proud Birmingham business leader, where he shares his insights and experiences on entrepreneurialism, having a growth mindset and getting the best out of people as well as useful information to help your grow your business, develop and build your team.

Canny Conversations has now completed over 50 episodes making an impact on UK business Podcasts and demonstrating how sustainable business can benefit. In the third series Safaraz speaks with journalist Adrian Kibbler as well as some great guests sharing their thoughts and insights. In the fourth series Safaraz shares his own individual thoughts again.

Canny conversations are intended to challenge and cannily captivate. Let us know if they do or otherwise!

The topics covered in these conversations range from individual biographies & life stories to industry specific conversations as well as all things self development, enterprise & entrepreneurship and that’s just for starters. Previously we have received very good feedback on a number of our podcasts with topics such as; the importance of people, how to recruit them and get the best from them. It explores what makes a good leader and how to build strong teams within a winning culture.

‘Don’t expect to agree with everything but remain open and challenged. There is plenty to ‘chew on’ as Safaraz might say.

Safaraz Ali is the author of Canny Bites books, the fourth book being the lates titled: ‘Successfully Scale Up or Exit Your Business’ which helps business owners and leaders know exactly what they need to consider when growing their business. It’s a workbook and a checklist for entrepreneurs to help put the foundations in place ensuring they have the right toolkits to make scaling an easier task.

https://safaraz.co.uk/