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"Every single one of the government’s big ambitions – from building 1.5 million new homes to achieving net zero – has one thing in common: a skills shortage in this country."

In this episode, Andrew Pakes MP explores the critical role of skills in driving national priorities – from building 1.5 million new homes and achieving net zero, to rebooting manufacturing and retrofitting the economy. He explains how devolution and metro mayors can match local talent to local economic needs, turbocharging growth and providing meaningful opportunities for young people.

Join Patrick Craven, Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships at City & Guilds, for an insightful conversation with Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships, recorded live at the Labour Party Conference 2025.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How local leadership and industrial strategy can close skills gaps and attract investment.
• The evolution from blue-collar to green-collar roles, preparing the workforce for future technologies in construction, engineering, and green energy.
• Innovative approaches to apprenticeships, including initiatives supporting young people, returners, and those in prison, offering pathways to employment and social mobility.
• The importance of tailoring skills investment to local economies to deliver real impact and opportunity.
• How aligning national ambitions with local delivery can create a virtuous cycle of growth, opportunity, and prosperity.

Whether you’re an employer, provider, policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of skills and work, this episode offers a compelling look at how apprenticeships, industrial strategy, and devolution can shape a stronger, more inclusive economy.

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

• Skills England
• HMP Highpoint
• All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships

For more episodes from the series click here.

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“The NEET number should be a real national concern — nearly a million — and I think it’s actually higher, because it’s not capturing young people in zero-hour or gig work.” — Anthony Impey, MBE

Set against the backdrop of the 2025 Autumn Budget, City & Guilds CEO Kirstie Donnelly MBE sat down with Anthony Impey MBE, Chief Executive of Be the Business—the organisation championing productivity across UK businesses. Anthony also chairs the City & Guilds Industry Skills Board.

In this special bonus episode, Kirstie and Anthony unpack what the Chancellor’s announcements really mean for the skills system, employers, and the workforce of the future — with reflections recorded just hours after the Budget was delivered.

And yes… discover what being a lettuce picker and a young bus conductor have to do with this UK Budget episode. (You’ll be surprised — but it makes perfect sense.)

Be among the first to watch as they reflect on the key talking points from the Budget, including:

• What the announcements mean for skills policy and workforce development across the UK.
• Key implications for employers, training providers, and individuals navigating the skills landscape
• The top omissions from the Budget and their potential impact on the sector.
• How policymakers, business leaders, and the sector can work together to drive productivity and foster lifelong learning.

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How to equip people with the right skills to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

Be among the first to listen to this special edition of In Conversation with..., recorded live at the Skills Hub during Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, City & Guilds CEO Kirstie Donnelly, MBE is joined by Seema Malhotra MP, the newly appointed Minister of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, in what is her very first interview since taking on the role.

Seema reflects on how skills remain central to Labour’s mission across government, even within her new international brief, and explains why building a lifelong learning culture is critical to tackling inequalities and driving economic growth. From the forthcoming Post-16 Strategy and reforms to apprenticeships, to the role of Skills England and the importance of employer engagement, Seema shares candid insights into how government intends to move from policy commitments to real delivery.

Listeners will gain a clear understanding of:

• How Labour plans to build the foundations for lifelong learning and address persistent skills gaps.
• Why the integration of skills policy across departments is vital to economic success and social mobility.
• What employers, training providers and individuals can expect from upcoming reforms.
• How skills development is shaping not only the UK workforce but also international trade and partnerships.

This conversation offers practical takeaways for policymakers, educators, employers, and anyone committed to ensuring skills truly change lives.

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

• Skills England

For more episodes from the series click here

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Collaboration: How the UK can bridge the Construction Skills Gap

As one of the UK’s biggest economic drivers, the UK construction industry contributes over 6% of the UK’s GVA. Yet despite this being a key UK sector, the construction industry has been identified as one with the most acute skills gaps in the UK, with deficits in traditional trades, green skills and digital skills.

To explore how this valuable sector can develop the skills required to meet current and future challenges, host Bryony Kingsland is joined by industry experts Steve Plumstead, Director for Curriculum for Construction, Land-Based, and Engineering at Kirklees College, and Paul Skitt, Education and Skills Director at Flannery Plant, who share insights on how new modes of collaboration between employers and educational institutions are transforming the UK's construction landscape, including:

• The origins of collaboration between Kirklees College and the UK’s leading plant hire provider
• How green skills and digital competencies can shape the future of the construction industry
• The role of employers in local skills improvement plans (LSIPs).
• How to meet demand for technical skills to meet current and future projects
• How Kirklees College is promoting career pathways in construction

For more episodes from the Navigating the UK skills Challenges series click here.

Want some free merchandise? Courtesy of the series, simply write a review on your favourite podcast platform. (such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts) Once done, confirm your details directly from your listening device, click 'Send us a text' above the episode summary to enter the prize draw. Please note: This offer applies to UK residents only

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How can we better equip young people with essential, future-ready skills?

Why are nearly a million young people in the UK not in employment, education, or training, and what role do "durable skills" play in this persistent problem?

Join us as we welcome expert guests Andrea Barry from Youth Futures Foundation and Ema Marinho, Early Careers Lead at William Hare, for a candid discussion. Discover:

• Why there's a perceived "disconnect" between education and employers, even when young people have good grades.
• The critical role of mentorship and post-recruitment support in enabling young people to thrive in the workplace.
• How systemic issues, including financial barriers and varied awareness, particularly impact young people from ethnic minority backgrounds seeking apprenticeships.
• Bold ideas for encouraging more employers, especially SMEs, to engage with and support young apprentices.

This mini-series finale, hosted by co-hosts Bryony Kingsland, (City & Guilds), and Gavin O'Meara (FE News), dives into a challenge affecting every sector and every age group in the workforce: Durable Skills.

This episode offers vital insights for anyone involved in skills development, education, or employment. Tune in to explore the systemic challenges — and discover actionable solutions for building a future-ready workforce where no one falls through the gaps.

Listen now and gain a deeper understanding of how we can collectively empower the next generation!

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

Making Skills Work: The Path to Solving the Productivity Crisis - report

📢 Listen now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of skills.

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Tackle the industry's skills shortages and stay ahead of the curve by listening to this critical episode of Future skills!

Whether you're a professional working in the construction and infrastructure industry or an SME looking to access training support, or a large employer needing to collaborate more effectively with providers, this episode is packed with fresh thinking on how to better tackle workforce shortages and future-proof businesses. The panel also look ahead to the impact of AI—reminding us why traditional skills, backed by digital adaptability, remain essential in the face of rapid change.

Discover how to:

• Attract diverse talent and expand your workforce beyond traditional recruitment channels
• Implement flexible apprenticeship programmes that meet industry needs and retain top talent
• Leverage digital transformation to drive innovation and efficiency in your organisation

In this thought-provoking episode of Future skills, hosts Bryony Kingsland and Gavin O’Meara are joined by industry leaders to unpack the pressing issues shaping construction and infrastructure today. From widening access and inclusion, to navigating the realities of shorter apprenticeships and the evolving role of SMEs, this conversation offers sharp insight and real-world solutions.

By listening to this episode, you'll gain valuable insights from industry experts so don't miss out on this essential conversation!

Special thanks to our guests: Jon Hornagold, Apprenticeship Manager at Amey, and Jason Howe, Technical Advisor for Construction and Utilities at City & Guilds.

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

Making Skills Work: The Path to Solving the Productivity Crisis - report

📢 Listen now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of skills.

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As the green skills gap in the UK widens, how can organisations adapt quickly enough to meet the growing demand? In this episode of Future skills, hosts Bryony Kingsland and Gavin O'Meara delve into the realities of the green skills shortage and how collaboration between employers and education providers can bridge this gap.

With insights from experts Stephen Knight of MCS Certified and Mark Buckton of Opergy, the episode reveals how traditional trades like mechanical and electrical engineering, along with roles in fabricating, welding, and pipe fitting, are increasingly crucial for green jobs. The race to net-zero is accelerating, but are we training enough workers to meet these needs?

This episode provides practical solutions to improve collaboration between employers and education providers, addressing the funding and salary challenges in the FE sector that hinder recruitment and retention.

With discussions on AI, automation, and the evolving role of trades in the green economy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in sustainability, skills development, or the future of work in the net-zero era.

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

Making Skills Work: The Path to Solving the Productivity Crisis - report

📢 Listen now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of skills.

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Worried about AI use in your organisation? Discover the safeguarding steps every FE provider can implement today.

As AI transforms the workplace, 74% of UK workers express concerns about using AI at work, while 18% of adults lack essential digital skills. In this episode of Future skills, hosts Bryony Kingsland and Gavin O'Meara explore the realities of AI adoption in further education with experts Rebecca Bradley, and Richard Foster-Fletcher.

From AI governance to continually upskilling and reskilling, our experts tackle the urgent need to empower the FE workforce in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Discover practical strategies for college leaders, the importance of teaching critical thinking skills to recognise AI limitations, and the delicate balance between embracing innovation and protecting data security.

Tune in as our experts share tactical approaches that every FE organisation can implement starting today.

📢 Listen now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of skills.

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

Staffing industry Analysis

Digital Inclusion Action Plan: First Steps

Making Skills Work: The Path to Solving the Productivity Crisis - report

Listen today, or watch on YouTube