Apprenticeship Management Consultant | PS edtech Consulting Services

Skills Federation
(ACE360 - Apprenticeship Management Solution)

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Strategic Advice for Skills Federation

Scope

Skills Federation Logo_Digital_Strapline.jpg

Working with the Chair and COO, the consultancy reviewed the ACE360 End Point Assessment platform to identify a clear path to profitability. This included assessing the value proposition, financials, market size, and competitive landscape, alongside qualitative and quantitative market research. The project delivered actionable recommendations, a refined sales engagement strategy, and an updated operating model to drive growth and commercial sustainability.

Skills Federation Background

Skills Federation represents and supports 21 UK Sector Skills Councils, covering around 90% of the UK workforce. It is also the sole provider of apprenticeship certification for frameworks in England, Scotland, and Wales.
In response to the introduction of apprenticeship standards in 2015, the Federation commissioned the development of ACE360, a cloud-based system launched in 2018. ACE360 is the only industry-wide platform connecting training providers, end-point assessment organisations, and external quality assurance bodies to manage apprenticeship standards securely and efficiently online.
The launch of ACE360 marked a shift for the Federation—from a monopoly charity to a competitive EdTech provider operating in a dynamic apprenticeship assessment market.

The outcome

Secured board approval for ACE360’s in-house development, full business restructure, and scale-up, backed by a robust three-year business case.

Delivered a clear organisational restructure with defined roles, skill profiles, and recruitment plans—resulting in key hires across sales, implementation, and product management.

Embedded agile practices and refreshed the value proposition, roadmap, and user group to drive more focused, user-led product development

Strengthened sales performance and financial management, contributing to being £140k ahead of budget in Q1, supported by four new hires and higher team motivation.