7 July 2015
Skills Leaders Come Together for Annual Skills Network Conference
WYCC supported the latest Skills Network ‘Aligning Skills for Growth’ conference hosted at Bradford College. Principals, Chief Executives, University leaders and a wealth of private training providers from across the city region attended the event.
Now in its fourth year, the event attracted over 100 delegates and was led by Peter McCann, Chair of the Skills Network and Principal of Kirklees College with highly topical key note speeches from Roger Marsh OBE, LEP Chair and Tom Stannard, Deputy Chief Executive of NIACE alongside the very latest labour market data from the Regional Economic Intelligence Unit.
connecting skills with business
During the event Roger Marsh OBE called on skills providers to recognise the balance needed between what young people would like
“The role of education and skills is pivotal to delivering growth” said Roger.to study and the available career paths whilst acknowledging the importance of aligning the supply side of skills training with funding in order to connect with businesses.
aligning opportunities
Underlining the strength of collaboration in order to achieve this, Peter McCann added:
“Our unique partnership generates greater synergy to align the opportunities to develop a flexible and skilled workforce, delivering growth for the region. Our challenge is to ensure learners are equipped with current and future skills needed by employers in Leeds City Region.”
Delegates were also provided with the latest labour market analysis trends which highlighted challenges for the city region followed by an engaging reflection of the post-election landscape delivered by Tom Stannard, Deputy Chief Executive of NIACE.
A lively panel discussion on the theme of devolution and its implications concluded the conference with strong contributions from Professor Tim Thornton, Pro-Vice Chancellor Learning & Teaching, University of Huddersfield; Stephanie Burras CBE, Ahead Partnership’s Chief Executive; Andy Wallhead, Corporate Director, Wakefield Council and Tom Stannard.
Unlocking Potential, Accelerating Growth - Roger Marsh OBE
The Shape of Further Education: Future Priorities - Peter McCann
LCR Labour Market Challenges & Potential 2015/16 - Felix Kumi-Ampofo
The Post Election Skills Landscape - Tom Stannard
Further information regarding the LEP skills service and the Local Response Fund Research launched at the conference are also linked below.
The conference was hosted at Bradford College's Dye House Gallery. Venue details can be found here.
