Over 80 delegates attended South Kesteven’s first Skills Summit today, Wednesday 13 March. Organised by InvestSK, South Kesteven District Council’s economic growth and regeneration company, the event brought businesses and education providers together to discuss the shape of the district’s future skills agenda.
Hosted at Belton Woods Hotel near Grantham, the event was attended by delegates from across South Kesteven and headlined by former MP, Neil Carmichael, who delivered an inspiring presentation to encourage businesses and education providers to work together to grow a workforce fit for a changing economy.
The event’s morning session welcomed speakers from the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, University of Lincoln, Will & Probate Services and Stamford and Grantham Colleges to share their training provider perspectives and a range of business success case studies from around the district.
Interactive sessions in the afternoon saw delegates roll up their sleeves and take part in a series of workshops to discuss the benefits and barriers of hiring apprentices, how to achieve business growth through workplace training and what courses businesses want to see delivered at the new university centre which is due to open in Grantham this year.
Councillor Jacky Smith, cabinet member for communities, health, wellbeing and skills at South Kesteven District Council, said: “I was delighted to open South Kesteven’s very first Skills Summit. The event forms an important part of our plans to enable local companies to harness, develop and attract talent across South Kesteven.”
Steve Bowyer, chief executive of InvestSK, said: “South Kesteven has a bold ambition for economic growth – and to grow our economy we need the right skills in our workforce, to meet business needs now and in the future.
“The only way we can achieve that is by engaging with local companies to understand their skills needs and then working with education providers to bridge any gaps. This is the start of that important conversation and I’m grateful to all delegates who attended and contributed today.
“We are determined that these conversations lead to action and we would encourage all of our businesses to contact us to support this vision.”
If you couldn’t attend the Skills Summit and would like to voice your business’ skills needs, get in touch with InvestSK by emailing info@investsk.co.uk
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