We hosted two fringe events and participated in several panel discussions, all focused on one central theme: how to build a future-ready UK skills system that supports economic growth, social mobility, and sustainability.

Day 1 of the Conference set the tone for what felt like a genuine shift in ambition for skills. Rather than defending past decisions, the Labour Party signaled a willingness to reset and rethink. This openness to change is encouraging, particularly in the context of skills, education, and economic growth, where bold action is urgently needed.

Our Chief Executive, Graham Hasting-Evans, joined two key panels. The first, The Skills Revolution: Equipping Britain for the Future, brought together MPs, educators, and training providers to explore how vocational education, apprenticeships, and green skills can drive growth. Graham emphasised the need to address skills gaps across three groups: young people entering the workforce, those not in education, employment or training (NEETs), and the existing workforce needing upskilling - particularly in areas like AI and green technologies. He also stressed the importance of aligning skills development with employer needs and the UK’s industrial strategy.

Later that evening, Graham joined a second panel hosted by The New Statesman, focused on how government can turn the tide on skills to achieve a high-productivity, high-growth economy. The discussion centred on supporting NEETs, celebrating apprenticeships, and shifting the national narrative from academic achievement alone to a broader, more inclusive vision of success through vocational education. Both panels echoed a strong call for better support for young people aged 14–19, mentorship opportunities, and greater recognition of vocational routes.

While the announcement of a Youth Guarantee for NEETs and the reintroduction of maintenance grants for higher education students are positive steps, they must be part of a broader, joined-up strategy. The Prime Minister’s commitment to ensuring two-thirds of young people enter either university or a “gold standard” apprenticeship is welcome, but it must be matched by a realistic understanding of the future workforce. Alarmingly, some MPs still believe the impact of AI is decades away. This is a dangerous underestimation in this climate.

We must also address the mental health and employability skills gap, invest in mentoring, and rebuild youth and career services. Qualifications like Essential Digital Skills must be improved to be genuinely fit for purpose. And if we are serious about growing the UK economy, we must design a flexible, sector-responsive skills system, simplify access for SMEs, and develop a coherent devolution model for England.

Crucially, we must transform Skills England into Skills UK - recognising that economic growth is a UK-wide challenge. Out this week, our report on devolution and skills highlights the need for a national framework that links neighbouring areas and reflects the reality of travel-to-work zones and natural local economies. Without this, we risk fragmentation and missed opportunities.

In summary, the Labour Party Conference showed promising signs of progress - but significant policy gaps remain. We must act now, not just for NEETs, but for the entire workforce, if we are to avoid a surge in unemployment driven by technological disruption. Skills are the engine of productivity and growth. Let’s make sure we’re building the right system to power that engine.

 

Photo credits: The New Statesman