In light of the Government’s new Industrial Strategy, the critical role of skills in driving economic growth and productivity has never been more apparent. Addressing skills shortages, particularly in priority sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and digital industries, is essential to ensuring that employers have access to the talent they need. The Careers & Enterprise Company’s national survey on career readiness highlights strong interest from 16-year-olds in key sectors like construction, digital, and health. However, despite this enthusiasm, the transition from interest to trained workforce remains a challenge. The Government’s ambitious plans to build 1.5 million homes and new towns face a severe shortage of skilled construction workers, with an estimated 250,000 additional workers needed by 2028. The manufacturing sector, similarly, is struggling with 64,000 unfilled vacancies, costing an estimated £6.4bn in lost output annually. Apprenticeship starts have fallen by 42% since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, and despite an investment of £1.6bn into T Levels, uptake remains low. How can we ensure skills gaps are filled to ensure success of the Industrial Strategy?

This event will:

• Explore how careers education is the gateway to employers – helping young people to understand and access the jobs of the future.
• Discuss how to build the skills pipeline – ensuring businesses can shape and benefit from the next generation of talent.
• Consider how targeted interventions can tackle skills shortages and regional disparities.