Our changing economy and society are transforming the way we learn and work. How can we widen access to employment for those missing out today? How can we help people make the most of longer working lives with access to good work? What can employers do to invest in skills for the future? How can local leadership of skills and employment help close inequalities?

Thanks to our sponsors Maximus, Clarion Futures, Youth Futures Foundation, Edge Foundation and City and Guilds, our Employment and Skills Convention brought together politicians, policy makers, practitioners and researchers to explore the route to better jobs, skilled workers and prosperous communities.

New for this year, we also hosted a Housing Zone in partnership with Communities that Work, sponsored by Abri and SNG (Sovereign Network Group). This provided opportunities for networking across social housing, employment and skills sectors, as well as a specific focus on the role of social housing in providing skills and employment support.

Our interactive workshops covered themes of: making employment support work locally, green skills, career change, and work and health. Keep reading for more about our morning and afternoon plenary sessions.