Longer working lives, combined with shifts in the economy and labour market, have led to a greater need for adults to retrain and upskill. However, recent data from our adult participation in learning survey shows that, while a third of adults are looking to change career in the next two years, almost 70% think they lack the skills to do so.

Additionally, the pandemic has impacted the labour market and people’s desire to change careers. Adults who experienced a change in their work status since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic are twice as likely to want to change job or career compared to those who have not experienced any changes. But with almost a quarter of adults unsure of the support needed to change jobs, high quality, locally based career change support is vital to ensure everyone can make the most of opportunities ahead.

Our New Futures pilots are supporting people who need to reskill as a result of the pandemic. We are working with partners to run five place-based pilots, tailored to reflect the skills and needs of local labour markets.

This event will share insights from our survey on changing careers and set out the local picture in our pilot areas.

Speakers include:

• Angela Rayner MP, Shadow First Secretary of State, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Shadow Secretary of State for the Future of Work
• Sam Avanzo Windett, Deputy Director, Learning and Work Institute
• Emily Jones, Head of Research, Learning and Work Institute
• Sinéad O’Regan, Employability & Skills Manager – Economic Development Unit, Belfast City Council
• Rona Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, Capital City Partnership
• Phill Adams, Senior Manager – Employment, Skills and Learn Devon, Devon County Council