THE SKILLS REVOLUTION: EQUIPPING BRITAIN FOR THE FUTURE – DELIVERING ON LABOUR'S PROMISE

  • Date: September 29, 2025 at 15:00 - 4pm
  • Location: SME4Labour POD (Arena Room - Thames), ACC Liverpool Kings Dock Street, Liverpool, L3 4FP

The Labour Party Annual Conference 2025

SME4Labour, SPL & NOCN fringe: THE SKILLS REVOLUTION: EQUIPPING BRITAIN FOR THE FUTURE – DELIVERING ON LABOUR'S PROMISE

Speakers:

  • Terry Jermy MP, MP for South West Norfolk
  • Juliet Campbell MP, MP for Broxtowe
  • Mark Williams, City Training
  • Graham Hastings-Evans, NOCN
  • Mike Blakeley, Exeter College
  • Chris Claydon, JTL Training

Chair: Dr. Spencer Pitfield OBE

The event explored the ambitious vision of Labour’s skills revolution, bringing together MPs, training providers, and education leaders to discuss how the UK can build a workforce ready for the future. Chaired by Dr. Spencer Pitfield, the session emphasised the critical need to upskill both young people and the existing workforce, with particular focus on construction and green skills.

Juliet Campbell MP highlighted the importance of measuring the impact of skills policies not only statistically but qualitatively, emphasising the difference these initiatives can make to individuals’ lives, mental health, and opportunities. She stressed the need to recognise neurodiverse talent, advocating for inclusive and dyslexia-friendly workplaces.

Panelists agreed that the primary barrier to skills development is the lack of employers able to offer apprenticeships and placements. Chris Claydon underlined the financial and logistical challenges small and micro-businesses face in training apprentices, calling for targeted support and incentives to encourage uptake. Graham Hastings-Evans highlighted the need to upskill the existing workforce to meet demands in infrastructure, construction, and emerging green technologies.

Speakers also explored the regional disparities in skills provision across the UK. Terry Jermy MP focused on rural opportunities, emphasising the economic potential of untapped areas and the importance of integrated transport solutions to connect learners with employers. Mark Williams highlighted variations in funding and access between England, Wales, and Scotland, advocating for a joined-up UK-wide approach to training.

Mike Blakeley stressed that schools must re-engage with vocational pathways to give young people practical skills and early exposure to industry, while all agreed that government policy, funding simplification, and employer engagement are crucial to the success of Labour’s skills revolution.

The discussion concluded with a shared recognition that achieving a skilled, future-ready workforce requires collaboration across government, education providers, and employers, ensuring opportunities are accessible to all and that the benefits of investment in skills are felt widely.

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  • Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP is the Labour Member of Parliament for Birmingham Selly Oak, elected in July 2024. He currently serves the government as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces. Prior to entering politics, Carns had a distinguished 24-year career in the Royal Marines, rising to the rank of Colonel and earning numerous awards for gallantry and distinguished service during his operational tours.
  • Amanda Martin MP is the Labour Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North, having won the seat in the 2024 General Election. A former teacher with a 24-year career, she is also a prominent trade unionist, having served as the national President of the National Education Union (NEU). A native of Portsmouth and a lifelong supporter of Portsmouth FC, she is deeply involved in her community, serving as the Chair of the Portsmouth Labour Party and as a trustee for several local and national organizations, including the National Education Museum, Loaves of Love, and the Lucy Lund Fund.

  • Terry Jermy MP, MP for South West Norfolk Terry Jermy is the Labour Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, elected in 2024. A career in local government and the third sector preceded his election to the House of Commons, with roles including being a Thetford Town Councillor and Mayor of Thetford. He also served on both Norfolk County Council and Breckland District Council.

  • Mark Williams, City Training Mark Williams is a professional in the field of vocational training. He has extensive experience in skills development and is affiliated with City Training. His career has focused on developing and delivering training programmes that align with industry needs, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment. His work often involves strategic collaboration with businesses to ensure that apprenticeships and vocational qualifications produce a skilled workforce.

  • Graham Hastings-Evans, NOCN Graham Hastings-Evans is the Chief Executive of NOCN Group, an awarding and apprenticeship assessment organisation. Before joining NOCN, he held a senior role as programme director at the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and was involved in developing the skills strategy for the London 2012 Olympics. Mr Hastings-Evans has worked closely with government on apprenticeship reforms and is an established voice in the further education and skills sector.

  • Mike Blakeley, Exeter College Mike Blakeley is the Executive Director of Partnerships, Apprenticeships & Future Skills at Exeter College, a leading further education institution. He oversees a significant apprenticeship portfolio, working with a wide range of businesses to deliver skills training. Mr Blakeley is also the Vice Chair of the Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP), where he advocates for educational initiatives to address the skills gap for net zero targets. He holds positions on the board of Constructing Futures and chairs the Constructing Excellence SW Skills Panel.

  • Chris Claydon, JTL Training Chris Claydon MBE is the Chief Executive of JTL Training, a prominent apprenticeship provider in the building services engineering sector. His background includes a career in the British Army and a previous role as Chief Executive of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB). He is a recognised authority on vocational training, with a focus on ensuring the quality of the learner journey and aligning skills provision with the needs of employers in critical sectors.

  • Chair: Dr. Spencer Pitfield OBE Spencer Pitfield OBE is a Senior Adviser for Techne UK, a polling and data consulting firm, and a highly experienced non-executive director and consultant. He was awarded an OBE for political service in 2016. Mr Pittfield's professional background spans the charity, voluntary, political, and education sectors. He has a proven track record in leadership and strategic change, and has previously served as a magistrate.

 

Event summary

  • Date: September 29, 2025 at 15:00 - 4pm
  • Location: SME4Labour POD (Arena Room - Thames), ACC Liverpool Kings Dock Street, Liverpool, L3 4FP
  • Contact name: SME4Labour team
  • Contact email: [email protected]
  • Ticket price: Free
  • RSVP: RSVP using the form below.

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