The Employment and Skills Convention returns to Manchester on Thursday 2 July.

This major annual event for the employment and skills sectors brings together delegates from across central and local government, employers, providers, and third sector organisations to tackle key issues in policy and practice.  

Join us this year as we explore how to grow opportunity and unlock potential in a changing workforce.

As the world of work continues to change, we’ll explore the key questions: how can we create and connect young people to opportunity? How is demand for skills evolving as technology reshapes jobs? And how can workers and employers be supported to thrive in a changing economy?

Register now to make sure you don’t miss out! The event is free to attend, but places are limited. Places are limited to two people per organisation to maximise networking opportunities.

If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the convention, please get in touch at events@learningandwork.org.uk.

Explore our sponsorship options

With thanks to our sponsors: Maximus UK, Edge Foundation, Ingeus and Youth Futures Foundation.

Please register below if you are interesting in attending this event. Please note, this does not automatically confirm your place we will be in touch with you directly if we are able to offer you a place.

13 March 2026

Training and skills needs: Trends and challenges in UK growth sectors

This report, the second in a series of publications funded by Nuffield Foundation, explores the level of estimated skills needs in UK businesses alongside the level and type of training that employers provide.

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13 March 2026

UK’s training and skills ‘tick-box culture’ puts at risk job mobility and future growth, new report warns

New analysis has identified an overreliance on mandatory and compliance training in UK workplaces compared to other countries – at the expense of more in-depth upskilling required for the jobs of the future.

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2 March 2026

When it comes to lifelong learning, are we any closer to the College of the Future?

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute, reflects on the role of colleges in providing adults with opportunity and agency throughout their lives.

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2 March 2026

Why adult education is an investment, not a cost

David Hughes, CEO at the Association of Colleges, sets out why a well-funded, high-quality adult education system is beneficial to society and the economy.

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26 February 2026

New innovation trial offers young Londoners with health conditions tailored support to get ‘work ready’

Shaw Trust is funding and designing a new service to help young people with a health condition or disability get ‘work ready.’ The innovation trial will be evaluated by L&W and launched in partnership with the West London Alliance.

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26 February 2026

Responding to the latest NEET data, February 2026

Learning and Work Institute chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the NEET data released on 26 February 2026.

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17 February 2026

Labour Market Briefing: February 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 17 February 2026.

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17 February 2026

Labour market dashboard

Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Explore our interactive charts.

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17 February 2026

Labour market stats response, February 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

Read more