Colleges, employers and training providers came together to host an exclusive employer and stakeholder event at Chester Zoo this week. 

Cheshire & Warrington: Skills For The Future was an opportunity for local Colleges and providers to share updates pertaining to innovative developments in supporting skills for the future; as well as a chance for guests to network with each other and explore ways to strengthen collaborations between providers. The event was attending by over 70 guests, which included education providers, private training providers and employers from across the region.  

BT Digital’s Emerging Talent Programme Manager, Reace Wade, acted as Keynote Speaker for the event. In keeping with the Skills For The Future theme, Wade is responsible for the Digital Graduate, Industrial Placements and Apprenticeship programmes at his organisation, ensuring they meet the current and future needs of the BT Group. 

Also headlining the event were Sarah Emes-Young, Project Lead for the Local Skills Improvement Plan (Cheshire & Warrington), and Trevor Langston, the Pledge Lead for the Cheshire & Warrington Pledge. 

After breakfast and networking, guests participated in a collaborative workshop to design and create a roadmap for the skills agenda within the region. The activity inspired spirited discussions within the different groups, leading to informed and creative roadmaps to close the skills gap and improve upon current progress. 

Karen Roberts, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Cheshire College, said: “At Cheshire College, we work continuously to ensure that students have the required skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen industries.  

“However, we are vigilant to the possibility of future skills shortages in the local area, which is why pre-emptive planning and collaboration with our fellow education providers and local businesses is so important. We were delighted with the turn-out for the event, and it’s exciting to see so many ideas and plans to support skills needs in Cheshire and Warrington.” 

Visit www.ccsw.ac.uk to find out more.