Events

New research from Learning and Work Institute, undertaken with Serco, explores practical and evidence-based employability approaches to strengthen outcomes in Wales and close long-standing support gaps.

The session focused on improving employment outcomes for:

• Women
• People from minority ethnic backgrounds
• Disabled people
• Individuals with long-term health conditions

The discussion examined what these findings mean for employability stakeholders and how they can support a more inclusive and effective system.

Our Managing Director, Jon Smith (CMgr FCMI FIEP), attended the Annual Apprenticeships Conference 2026.

As a key event in the skills calendar, the conference brings together apprenticeship providers, employers, and policymakers to shape the future of vocational training.

On 26 February, the Work Foundation and an expert panel reviewed the latest ONS figures on young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), and discussed what this means for young people, local communities, the labour market and Government.

The UK has had a significant population of young people aged 16–24 who are NEET for over 20 years, but the challenge for policymakers has evolved. The number remains stubbornly close to one million — around one in eight young people aged 16–24 — following a large post-pandemic rise.

The discussion also considered the Government’s response, including an £820 million youth participation package and work to investigate root causes of youth unemployment.

Panel: Sharon Thompson FIoL (West Midlands Combined Authority), Susannah Hardyman MBE (Impetus - Backing the best), Shuab Gamote, Chris Smyth (Financial Times), and Ben Harrison (Work Foundation at Lancaster University).

We were pleased to welcome 56 participants to Central London Forward’s Youth Guarantee Market Warming Webinar, bringing together charities, social enterprises and commercial organisations to share delivery plans and explore provider engagement opportunities.

The discussion was constructive and highly engaging, with strong contributions through questions and ideas from attendees.

During the webinar, we covered:

• How the Full Potential programme supports 17-25-year-olds who are NEET
• Upcoming commissioning opportunities for delivery partners
• How organisations can deliver employability, skills and wellbeing support for young people facing complex barriers