Join us for an inspiring conversation in London with John Yarham, CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company, as we explore the future of career education for young people in the UK. 

John shares insights on how the education system is adapting to better support students in finding the right career path. We discuss the challenges young people face, the growing importance of creativity and adaptability, and how work experience and apprenticeships are evolving to meet the needs of a changing world. 

John explains why “essential skills” versus “soft skills” – such as problem-solving, literacy, numeracy and resilience – are increasingly vital for success. These foundational abilities enable young people to thrive in the workplace and adapt to shifting demands.  

We examine the role of collaboration among schools, employers and parents in preparing the next generation for the world of work. From the influence of role models to emerging careers in electrification and sustainability, this episode highlights both the opportunities and the support needed to help all young people succeed. 

Whether you're a student, parent, teacher or employer, you'll gain practical ideas and inspiration to help young people reach their potential in a fast-moving job market.  

Learn more about John Yarham on LinkedIn. 

Experience our electrifying audio adventure and be part of the upskilling revolution, paving the way for an electricity-powered future. Learn about the current courses and jobs available in electrification at www.ershub.co.uk 

In this episode, filmed in London, Doug Cook, Director of Strategy and Flexibility at Ohme, shares his career journey and offers valuable insights into the future of electrification. 

From studying economics to shaping strategy at one of the UK’s most innovative energy companies, Doug’s path highlights the diverse and often unexpected routes into the green technology sector. He discusses how the industry is evolving and what that means for those looking to build a career in it. 

We explore the key challenges and opportunities in electrification, covering everything from government policy to cutting-edge tech. Doug unpacks the future of EV charging, the economics of clean transport and why accessibility is essential to driving a greener transition. 

Doug shares advice for recruiters on how to better connect with talent from a range of backgrounds, and highlights the creative, people-focused nature of many roles in the energy transition especially those working at the intersection of policy, operations and innovation. 

Whether you're a student, a career-changer, or simply curious about the future of energy, this episode offers a compelling look at a sector that's redefining how we live and work. Doug’s perspective highlights the importance of innovation, adaptability and collaboration in tackling climate change. 

Learn more about Doug Cook on LinkedIn. 

Experience our electrifying audio adventure and be part of the upskilling revolution, paving the way for an electricity-powered future. Learn about the current courses and jobs available in electrification at www.ershub.co.uk 

In this engaging podcast episode, Patrick Benammar, Vice President, Learning and Development, and Oliver Cantzler, Head of Technologies & Design Academy at Renault Group discuss the company's transformative journey into electric mobility. 

They explore Renault’s strategic “Renaulution” plan, which focuses on electrification and future mobility solutions. The conversation delves into the challenges of transitioning from traditional combustion engines to electric vehicles, highlighting the importance of skills development, adaptability and continuous learning. 

Patrick and Oliver share insights into Renault’s innovative training approach, emphasising a learn-by-practice model and the value of curiosity in an evolving industry. They highlight the role of ReKnow University in equipping employees and future generations with the skills needed to navigate these transformations. They also examine the global skills landscape, the role of AI in automotive innovation, and the critical collaboration between industry and academia. 

Looking ahead, they stress the need for the next generation to take an active role in shaping the future of mobility, recognising skills development as a shared responsibility that will drive technological and societal progress in the automotive sector. 

You can learn more about Patrick Benammar and Oliver Cantzler through LinkedIn.  

Experience our electrifying audio adventure and be part of the upskilling revolution, paving the way for an electricity-powered future. Learn about the current courses and jobs available in electrification at www.ershub.co.uk 

In this episode, Nile Henry, CEO of the Blair Project, and his brother Blair Henry, Operational Manager, share their inspiring journey of founding an organisation dedicated to making motorsports and STEM fields more accessible and diverse. 

At the core of their message is the importance of developing an "unstoppable mindset" built on persistence, determination and resilience. The brothers discuss how they overcame financial barriers and self-doubt, and how embracing failure and taking risks can fuel personal and professional growth. 

Their insights go beyond their own experiences, offering valuable advice for anyone facing challenges. They highlight the significance of support networks, learning from setbacks and maintaining focus on your goals. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder to stay determined and keep pushing forward. 

Tune in to hear how developing the right mindset and leveraging your resources can help you achieve your ambitions, no matter how big they seem. 

You can learn more about Nile Henry and Blair Henry through LinkedIn.  

Experience our electrifying audio adventure and be part of the upskilling revolution, paving the way for an electricity-powered future. Learn about the current courses and jobs available in electrification at www.ershub.co.uk 

In this conversation, Debbie Johnson, Head of Talent and Skills at Innovate UK, shares her career journey and vision for the future of skills development. From retail to construction, she highlights the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities and keeping an open mind. 

Debbie advocates for simplifying access to career opportunities and creating a collaborative environment, encouraging persistence with her message: "never let anyone tell you no." She discusses the role of digital technologies, particularly AI, in enhancing productivity and driving innovation, while emphasising the need for intelligent use of technology. 

Focused on transferable skills, adaptability and lifelong learning, Debbie’s vision empowers individuals to navigate dynamic careers with the support of transformative technologies. 

You can learn more about Debbie Johnson through LinkedIn.  

Experience our electrifying audio adventure and be part of the upskilling revolution, paving the way for an electricity-powered future. Learn about the current courses and jobs available in electrification at www.ershub.co.uk 

In this episode, we explore electric vehicle innovation and skills development with Professor Paul Noon OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Coventry University, and James Widmer, CEO of Advanced Electric Machines.  
 
Our guests discuss the Electric Revolution Skills Hub (ERS Hub) and its role in meeting the growing demand for expertise in electrification. In this engaging conversation, Paul Noon shares how the future economy relies on unlocking and equipping our people's knowledge to drive innovation and create new technologies. Our host Deepak chats with James Widmer about the need to reskill not just young people, but also experienced internal combustion engine workers to adapt to new roles in the electric vehicle industry. 
 
They share more about the challenges in bridging the skills gap, the importance of academia-industry collaboration, and innovative approaches to education and training. The conversation highlights the ERS Hub's unique, sustainable model for skills development, its impact on the UK economy, and its potential to shape the future of green technology.  
 
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the transformative power of targeted skills initiatives and the emerging opportunities in the electric revolution. 

Tune in to this episode to gain insights into the latest developments in electric vehicle skills training. Discover how the Electric Revolution Skills Hub is enhancing its offerings, expanding training programs, and broadening its scope to include cutting-edge technologies.

In this informative podcast episode, Claire Murphy from InnoEnergy Skills Institute shares her extensive experience scaling online learning programmes and envisions collaborative frameworks for skills development.  

Leveraging her background in education and the implementation of digital learning initiatives in the United States, Claire provides invaluable perspectives into the evolving landscape of career development and lifelong learning. 

Throughout our conversation, Claire highlights the significance of emerging trends in personalised learning, continuous professional development, and practical strategies for talent retention within the energy sector. 

Exploring the intricacies of career progression opportunities, she offers guidance on how individuals can navigate their professional journeys while staying up to date on industry advancements. 

Deepak and Claire discuss the transformative potential of collaboration between industry, education, and government to address skills needs and create accessible career pathways.  

They explore how collaborative efforts, utilising collective expertise, can positively impact lives through skills training and interventions, ultimately encouraging a more inclusive and resilient workforce.  

Tune in to gain valuable insights into how collaboration between education, industry, and government can drive meaningful change in the energy sector. 

In this compelling episode, Deepak engages in a conversation with Dr. Dragica Kostic-Perovic, a distinguished figure in electrical engineering and Chief Engineer at Ricardo, recognised as the recipient of the prestigious Best Woman in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering award.  

Dr Kostic-Perovic shares her incredible journey from studying electrical engineering in her early days to her current influential leadership position. Through her experiences, she offers valuable lessons on navigating a successful career in engineering. She highlights the significance of teamwork and the need to acquire the necessary skills for innovation. 

Listeners gain an insider's perspective as Dr Kostic-Perovic reflects on pivotal projects she has spearheaded, showcasing the real-world applications of electrification engineering.  

Furthermore, she elaborates on Ricardo's progressive approach to talent development, including insights into their graduate recruitment program, which can serve as a blueprint for aspiring engineers. 

Deepak and Dr Kostic-Perovic led the conversation on electrifying opportunities within the electrification sector, emphasising its potential for career growth and societal impact. Their discussion offers practical strategies for promoting these fields and bridging the skills gap, offering invaluable insights for seasoned professionals and budding engineers. 

Tune in not only for the wealth of knowledge Dr. Kostic-Perovic shares. This episode inspires leadership, project management, and the future landscape of electrification engineering. 

In this insightful podcast episode, experts from Bentley Motors explore the fast-evolving world of automotive electrification.

In today’s episode of Switching on Electrified Skills, I welcomed Jonty Deeley-Williamson, Head of Learning and Development at UKBIC. 
 
Join us on a captivating journey as we learn about the career path of Jonty Deeley-Williamson, a marine biologist turned leader in skills development for the UK's battery industrialisation centres. 
 
Skills development is vital for the battery and automotive industries to successfully transition to electrification as they face a tremendous shortage of over 45,000 new skilled workers for automotive batteries in the UK alone, requiring the development of new training programmes beyond the existing traditional education and training currently provided. 
 
In this episode, Jonty openly shares his challenges with ADHD and dyslexia in school, explaining his experience in tackling each challenge while pursuing education and teaching qualifications. His passion for supporting neurodiverse individuals and advocating for practical, skills-oriented learning is evident as he outlines his vision for future skills development. 

Jonty stresses the necessity for expanded government involvement to address skills shortages in battery manufacturing. 
 
Our conversation with our guest Jonty highlighted essential topics regarding the need for clear career pathways and the urgency of action required to cultivate a skilled workforce for the future. 
 

This insightful conversation offers invaluable perspectives for students, job seekers, and businesses interested in navigating the evolving landscape of the battery and automotive sectors.  

You can learn more about Jonty Deeley-Williamson through LinkedIn. 

Experience our electrifying audio adventure and be part of the upskilling revolution, paving the way for an electricity-powered future. Learn about the current courses and jobs available in electrification at www.ershub.co.uk