Liberal Democrat Conference: Levelling up and addressing the skills gap

20th September 2021 20/09/2021 13:05

At this year’s Liberal Democrat Party Conference, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) has partnered with Core Cities UK to co-host an open fringe panel discussion: ‘A blueprint for the future: Levelling up and addressing the skills gap’.  

The Covid-19 pandemic has shone a light onto the skills gaps that exist within our society. As the country faces continued economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever that the UK has a skills strategy which works for all cities and regions and offers opportunities for lifelong learning, retraining, and upskilling. This timely event will envisage what such a strategy could entail, looking beyond university as the only route for success to consider other options such as colleges, apprenticeship schemes and local investment to encourage economic recovery and longer-term productivity and innovation. With COP26 fast approaching, this discussion will also consider the implications and investment potential for cities and the role that they can play in a green industrial revolution.  

This panel will bring together policy makers, business leaders and stakeholders to consider how a future approach can address the skills gap, promoting upskilling across all industries and unlocking the potential of regional cities as drivers of innovation. 

We are delighted to confirm a fantastic line of panellists, including Natalie Perera, EPI; Chris Murray, Core Cities; Sarah Olney MP and Jane Robinson, Newcastle University.

** Note: This event will take place in the conference secure zone. To access the secure zone you will need to obtain a pass directly from the Liberal Democrat Party.** 

 

SPEAKERS
Liberal Democrat Conference: Levelling up and addressing the skills gap
Natalie Perera
Chief Executive, Education Policy Institute
Liberal Democrat Conference: Levelling up and addressing the skills gap
Chris Murray
Director, Core Cities UK
Liberal Democrat Conference: Levelling up and addressing the skills gap
Sarah Olney MP
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
Liberal Democrat Conference: Levelling up and addressing the skills gap
Jane Robinson
Pro-Vice Chancellor, Engagement and Place, Newcastle University
Liberal Democrat Conference: Levelling up and addressing the skills gap
Lord Shipley
Liberal Democrat Life Peer