Innovation Literacy Launchpad

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National Pilot of Innovation Literacy Launchpad Set to Transform Apprenticeships and SMEs

A groundbreaking programme that enables educators to unlock the creative potential of UK apprentices and small businesses has officially launched nationwide.

The Innovation Literacy Launchpad is a nationally accredited training programme that aims to break down barriers to innovation for SMEs. Funded by Innovate UK, this national expansion of the programme positions Further Education colleges and providers such as Institutes of Technology as active partners in a new, national, inclusive innovation ecosystem.

The initiative builds on the success of the Greater Manchester Innovation Literacy Programme which develops apprentice confidence, collaboration and communication skills, and empowers them with practical tools and techniques in a short course accredited by OCN London and mapped to the new Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Skills Framework.

Trainer the Trainer Model

The new Pilot adopts a ‘train the trainer’ method to expand an inclusive approach to business innovation and skills development. Delivery partners will be supported and provided with free resources to inspire and enable apprentices to lead change within their organisations and contribute to cutting-edge innovation, while employers benefit from enhanced internal innovation capacity.

Led by a multidisciplinary team with a proven track record in FE and business innovation, the national pilot will run from October 2025 to March 2026.

To find out more about the national programme and to express your interest in being part of the pilot, training providers should visit here.

“By piloting and evaluating these models of collaboration in education, the Innovation Literacy Launchpad will generate vital insights to guide future skills programmes and economic policy. We hope providers across the country will join us as partners in this exciting initiative to empower educators, apprentices and employers with innovation capacity and capability to drive meaningful change and growth.”

Coral Grainger
GMColleges Innovation Project Director