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Can government reforms finally bridge the long-standing gap between academic and technical education in Britain? 

In this bonus episode of "In Conversation With...", recorded at the Skills Hub during the Labour Party Conference and hosted by Emma Leary, leading voices from Parliament, youth advocacy and engineering explore the critical challenges facing young people, employers and the wider skills system.

The panel debates whether technical pathways at age 14 can create true parity with academic routes. Drawing on the Youth Voice Census, they spotlight a "missing middle" in work experience and careers advice, the barriers facing SMEs, and urgent demographic gaps like women in engineering. Closing with questions from the City & Guilds Learner Panel, the episode highlights that building confidence, resilience, and workplace readiness is just as vital as formal qualifications. 

Episode talking points:

•  The importance of starting early 
•  The work experience crisis 
•  Beyond academic qualifications 

Whether you're an educator, employer, policy maker, or learner shaping the future of work, this episode is for you. 

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

• EUK Education
• Youth Voice Census
• Counting the cost: The UK’s Employability Skills Crisis 

Special thanks to our guests Jonathan Brash MP (Chair of the APPG on Further Education and Lifelong Learning), Baz Ramaiah (Policy Director at Youth Employment UK), and Dr Hilary Leevers (Chief Executive of Engineering UK), alongside questions from the City & Guilds Learner Panel. 

For more episodes from the series click here.

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"Every single one of the government’s big ambitions – from building 1.5 million new homes to achieving net zero – has one thing in common: a skills shortage in this country." 

In this episode, Andrew Pakes MP explores the critical role of skills in driving national priorities – from building 1.5 million new homes and achieving net zero, to rebooting manufacturing and retrofitting the economy. He explains how devolution and metro mayors can match local talent to local economic needs, turbocharging growth and providing meaningful opportunities for young people.

Join Patrick Craven, Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships at City & Guilds, for an insightful conversation with Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships, recorded live at the Labour Party Conference 2025. 

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How local leadership and industrial strategy can close skills gaps and attract investment.
• The evolution from blue-collar to green-collar roles, preparing the workforce for future technologies in construction, engineering, and green energy.
• Innovative approaches to apprenticeships, including initiatives supporting young people, returners, and those in prison, offering pathways to employment and social mobility.
• The importance of tailoring skills investment to local economies to deliver real impact and opportunity.
• How aligning national ambitions with local delivery can create a virtuous cycle of growth, opportunity, and prosperity.

Whether you’re an employer, provider, policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of skills and work, this episode offers a compelling look at how apprenticeships, industrial strategy, and devolution can shape a stronger, more inclusive economy.

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

• Skills England
• HMP Highpoint
• All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships

For more episodes from the series click here.

Want some free merchandise? Simply write a review on your favourite podcast platform (such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts). Once you're done, confirm your details directly from your listening device and click 'Send us a text' above the episode summary to enter the prize draw.

Please note: This offer is available to UK residents only.

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“The NEET number should be a real national concern — nearly a million — and I think it’s actually higher, because it’s not capturing young people in zero-hour or gig work.”  — Anthony Impey, MBE

Set against the backdrop of the 2025 Autumn Budget, City & Guilds CEO Kirstie Donnelly MBE sat down with Anthony Impey MBE, Chief Executive of Be the Business—the organisation championing productivity across UK businesses. Anthony also chairs the City & Guilds Industry Skills Board. 

In this special bonus episode, Kirstie and Anthony unpack what the Chancellor’s announcements really mean for the skills system, employers, and the workforce of the future — with reflections recorded just hours after the Budget was delivered.

And yes… discover what being a lettuce picker and a young bus conductor have to do with this UK Budget episode. (You’ll be surprised — but it makes perfect sense.)

Be among the first to watch as they reflect on the key talking points from the Budget, including:

• What the announcements mean for skills policy and workforce development across the UK.
•  Key implications for employers, training providers, and individuals navigating the skills landscape
• The top omissions from the Budget and their potential impact on the sector.
• How policymakers, business leaders, and the sector can work together to drive productivity and foster lifelong learning.

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How to equip people with the right skills to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. 

Be among the first to listen to this special edition of In Conversation with..., recorded live at the Skills Hub during Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, City & Guilds CEO Kirstie Donnelly, MBE is joined by Seema Malhotra MP, the newly appointed Minister of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, in what is her very first interview since taking on the role.

Seema reflects on how skills remain central to Labour’s mission across government, even within her new international brief, and explains why building a lifelong learning culture is critical to tackling inequalities and driving economic growth. From the forthcoming Post-16 Strategy and reforms to apprenticeships, to the role of Skills England and the importance of employer engagement, Seema shares candid insights into how government intends to move from policy commitments to real delivery.

Listeners will gain a clear understanding of:

• How Labour plans to build the foundations for lifelong learning and address persistent skills gaps.
• Why the integration of skills policy across departments is vital to economic success and social mobility.
• What employers, training providers and individuals can expect from upcoming reforms.
• How skills development is shaping not only the UK workforce but also international trade and partnerships.

This conversation offers practical takeaways for policymakers, educators, employers, and anyone committed to ensuring skills truly change lives.

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

• Skills England

For more episodes from the series click here

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Collaboration: How the UK can bridge the Construction Skills Gap

As one of the UK’s biggest economic drivers, the UK construction industry contributes over 6% of the UK’s GVA. Yet despite this being a key UK sector, the construction industry has been identified as one with the most acute skills gaps in the UK, with deficits in traditional trades, green skills and digital skills. 

To explore how this valuable sector can develop the skills required to meet current and future challenges, host Bryony Kingsland is joined by industry experts Steve Plumstead, Director for Curriculum for Construction, Land-Based, and Engineering at Kirklees College, and Paul Skitt, Education and Skills Director at Flannery Plant, who share insights on how new modes of collaboration between employers and educational institutions are transforming the UK's construction landscape, including:

• The origins of collaboration between Kirklees College and the UK’s leading plant hire provider 
• How green skills and digital competencies can shape the future of the construction industry 
• The role of employers in local skills improvement plans (LSIPs). 
• How to meet demand for technical skills to meet current and future projects
• How Kirklees College is promoting career pathways in construction

For more episodes from the Navigating the UK skills Challenges series click here.

Want some free merchandise? Courtesy of the series, simply write a review on your favourite podcast platform. (such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts) Once done, confirm your details directly from your listening device, click 'Send us a text' above the episode summary to enter the prize draw. Please note: This offer applies to UK residents only

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What does true sustainability look like when it’s woven into every aspect of work — not just bolted on as a embedded initiative? In this revealing episode, host Natasha Kalinga sits down with renowned keynote speaker Raquel Noboa, founder of the multi award-winning Fifty Shades Greener and recipient of a Princess Royal Training Award, and Edwin Raj, Senior Programme Manager at Johnson Matthey, to explore how sustainability can become a cornerstone of organisational culture, leadership, and skills development.

Together, they unpack how sustainability can — and must — be built into the employee journey from day one, and why practical, hands-on learning is key to making a lasting impact. From green apprenticeships to lean thinking, this episode is packed with valuable insights for any organisation aiming to meet its net zero goals.

💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why embedding green skills in training and development is business-critical
• How apprenticeships and continuous improvement fuel a sustainable mindset
• The biggest barriers to net zero — and how to overcome them
• How HR and L&D teams can integrate sustainability into onboarding, progression, and performance frameworks
• Why sustainability is about progress, not perfection — and how to start where you are

🔊 “Sustainability isn’t just about a product – it’s about how we work, think, and lead.”
🔊 “We need a lot of imperfect people doing a little better every day.”

Whether you’re just beginning your organisation’s sustainability journey or looking to embed it more deeply into your culture and systems, this episode offers both strategic inspiration and practical steps to take action.

This is essential listening for L&D professionals, HR leaders, organisational development experts, NetZero champions, and anyone responsible for shaping the future of work.

For more about the Princess Royal Training Awards – or to find out how to apply – visit here.
🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share the episode with your network.

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What does it really take to build a values-led, inclusive leadership culture that drives measurable business success? 

Stevie Ingram-Palmer, Learning & Development Implementation Manager at G4S—and author, leadership innovator, and proud PRTA award recipient, joins Foundation & Friends, host Natasha Kalinga, together they explore the game-changing Next Level Leadership Programme, a 60-week initiative that’s not only transforming leadership at G4S but also reshaping the way global organisations think about talent, strategy, and culture.

This episode will provide award-winning insights on:

• How to design leadership programmes that are strategically aligned with business goals
• The value of blending digital learning with real-world business projects
• Why “one size fits all” leadership development is no longer fit for purpose
• How G4S built a culture of empowerment, inclusion, and innovation across global teams
• What the future workforce expects—and how to meet those expectations

This episode is packed with insight for L&D professionals, HR leaders, organisational development specialists, DEI advocates, and anyone responsible for shaping workplace culture or leadership strategy.

If you're looking to move beyond surface-level training and embed leadership as a core driver of business transformation, this conversation is not to be missed.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with your network. 

For more about the Princess Royal Training Awards or to learn how to apply, visit: Princess Royal Training Awards

Listen to more episodes in the Foundation & Friends podcast series, here. 

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What Does Award-Winning Training Look Like?

Join host Polly Rowe for an in-depth look at what training excellence really looks like across a range of sectors — and why the most successful organisations place skills development at the heart of their strategy.

In this episode, Polly is joined by Candice Gardner, Education Manager for Learning and Content at the award-winning Dermalogica UK, and Remi Ogunleye, former Awards Manager and now Contracts and Partnerships Manager at City & Guilds, as they take a deep dive into the stories behind award-winning training programmes, from organisations of all sizes – even those with limited resources.

Key Takeaways You'll Discover:

 • Why excellence in training creates measurable business impact when learning is linked to outcomes
 • How organisations of any size can achieve excellence through creativity and innovation
 • The “grow or go” principle shows that staff are more likely to stay when they have opportunities to develop
 • Immersive, experience-based training is the future – creativity is key!

Whether you're in HR, L&D, or simply passionate about skills, this episode offers inspiration and practical insight into what makes training truly exceptional.

For more about the Princess Royal Training Awards or to learn how to apply, visit: Princess Royal Training Awards

Listen to more episodes in the Foundation & Friends podcast series, here. 

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How can we better equip young people with essential, future-ready skills?

Why are nearly a million young people in the UK not in employment, education, or training, and what role do "durable skills" play in this persistent problem?

Join us as we welcome expert guests Andrea Barry from Youth Futures Foundation and Ema Marinho, Early Careers Lead at William Hare, for a candid discussion. Discover:

• Why there's a perceived "disconnect" between education and employers, even when young people have good grades.
• The critical role of mentorship and post-recruitment support in enabling young people to thrive in the workplace.
• How systemic issues, including financial barriers and varied awareness, particularly impact young people from ethnic minority backgrounds seeking apprenticeships.
• Bold ideas for encouraging more employers, especially SMEs, to engage with and support young apprentices.

This mini-series finale, hosted by co-hosts Bryony Kingsland, (City & Guilds), and Gavin O'Meara (FE News), dives into a challenge affecting every sector and every age group in the workforce: Durable Skills.

This episode offers vital insights for anyone involved in skills development, education, or employment. Tune in to explore the systemic challenges — and discover actionable solutions for building a future-ready workforce where no one falls through the gaps.

Listen now and gain a deeper understanding of how we can collectively empower the next generation! 

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

Making Skills Work: The Path to Solving the Productivity Crisis - report

📢 Listen now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of skills.

Listen today, or watch on YouTube

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Tackle the industry's skills shortages and stay ahead of the curve by listening to this critical episode of Future skills!

Whether you're a professional working in the construction and infrastructure industry or an SME looking to access training support, or a large employer needing to collaborate more effectively with providers, this episode is packed with fresh thinking on how to  better tackle workforce shortages and future-proof businesses. The panel also look ahead to the impact of AI—reminding us why traditional skills, backed by digital adaptability, remain essential in the face of rapid change. 

Discover how to:

• Attract diverse talent and expand your workforce beyond traditional recruitment channels
• Implement flexible apprenticeship programmes that meet industry needs and retain top talent
• Leverage digital transformation to drive innovation and efficiency in your organisation

In this thought-provoking episode of Future skills, hosts Bryony Kingsland and Gavin O’Meara are joined by industry leaders to unpack the pressing issues shaping construction and infrastructure today. From widening access and inclusion, to navigating the realities of shorter apprenticeships and the evolving role of SMEs, this conversation offers sharp insight and real-world solutions. 

By listening to this episode, you'll gain valuable insights from industry experts so don't miss out on this essential conversation! 

Special thanks to our guests: Jon Hornagold, Apprenticeship Manager at Amey, and Jason Howe, Technical Advisor for Construction and Utilities at City & Guilds. 

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

Making Skills Work: The Path to Solving the Productivity Crisis - report

📢 Listen now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of skills.

Listen today, or watch on YouTube