An audience drawn from industry, education, and government will gather for the event organised by WorldSkills UK, which features interviews with high-profile figures as well as discussions with companies, policymakers, and international experts.
The theme is ‘Skills for the Future’ giving an international perspective on future skills needs, and promoting the value and importance of technical education and apprenticeships in response to economic challenges.
WorldSkills UK is a partnership between employers, education, and governments that uses international best practice to raise standards in apprenticeships and technical education. It is part of the WorldSkills global movement of more than 80 countries supporting young people through training, assessment, and benchmarking – and which organises the biennial ‘Skills Olympics’ competition as a showcase for international talent.
The keynote address at the summit will be delivered by UK Skills Minister Robert Halfon MP followed by panel discussions featuring BESA’s director of training and skills Helen Yeulet, representatives from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, and major employers including BAE Systems.
Speakers will also discuss global best practice, share innovative solutions to future skills challenges, and explain why international benchmarking in skills is important. Participants from across the WorldSkills global network will analyse how to achieve success and the role of skills in boosting economic growth and social opportunity.
The role of Ofsted in analysing whether colleges are meeting the skills needs of employers, plus contributions from stakeholders on how they help spread opportunity and boost productivity are also keenly anticipated.
BESA was chosen as headline partner because of its role in highlighting and addressing key skills requirements around decarbonisation of buildings, energy efficiency and ‘green’ apprenticeships. Its success in delivering free training for heat pump installation and targeted courses for the safe handling of global warming refrigerant gases and to address health problems linked to poor indoor air quality also give it valuable experience in addressing skills gaps.
“We are delighted to have BESA as a partner of the International Skills Summit,” said Emma Roberts, director of external affairs at WorldSkills UK. “With guest speakers from the UK and our partners in the international skills community, we are looking forward to an event full of lively discussion and informative debate.”