About this Event
Our event brings together providers, partners, and stakeholders for a timely update on the fast‑moving national employment and skills landscape. With major developments emerging from Skills England and DWP, this session will explore what recent government decisions and budget implications mean for the sector, and how organisations can stay effectively engaged as priorities evolve.
Attendees will hear the latest policy updates, understand current calls for evidence shaping future direction, and gain practical insight into how to position their organisation within upcoming opportunities.
Agenda
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
DWP Partnership Update
Host: Lousie Berry
Info: This session, led by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Partnership Managers for Cheshire, Warrington, will provide an up‑to‑date overview of recent changes within DWP and Jobcentre Plus. Attendees will gain practical insight into new programmes, employer engagement routes, and claimant support initiatives.
The Partnership Managers will outline the best ways for providers, employers, and community organisations to connect with local Jobcentres, including referral pathways, partnership opportunities, and upcoming initiatives across Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester, and Warrington.
The session is designed to strengthen collaboration, improve communication channels, and ensure partners are fully informed about how to work effectively with DWP to support residents into employment.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:10 PM
Member Spotlight - City & Guilds Employability Insights – NEET Learners
Host: Janice Collins
Info: This session will share key findings from the latest City & Guilds Employability Report, with a particular focus on young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). The report highlights the barriers NEET learners face across the UK and the implications for providers working to re‑engage them.
City & Guilds will outline a range of practical solutions and tools developed to support providers, including flexible employability programmes, digital resources, and targeted interventions designed to build confidence, skills, and progression pathways. Attendees will gain insight into how these approaches can be embedded locally to improve outcomes for young people across Cheshire and Warrington
🕑: 01:10 PM - 01:20 PM
Member Spotlight - Introduction to 3D Training
Host: Linda Reid
Info: This session provides an overview of 3D Training,
Attendees will gain insight into how 3D Training can be embedded within local provision to strengthen employability outcomes, improve learner engagement, and support those who may struggle with traditional classroom‑based delivery.
🕑: 01:20 PM - 01:30 PM
Member Spotlight - Ingeus Delivering Social Impact Across the North West
Host: Jayne Garner
Info: This session, led by Jayne, Regional Development Director at Ingeus UK, will explore how strategic partnerships and targeted programmes can drive meaningful social outcomes across Cheshire and Warrington. Jayne will outline Ingeus’ extensive experience delivering highly successful Work & Health Programmes in the North West, alongside their wider portfolio spanning employability, health, justice, and youth services.
Attendees will gain insight into current regional priorities, opportunities for collaboration, and how Ingeus’ evidence‑based approaches support individuals to overcome barriers, move closer to work, and improve overall wellbeing.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Wigan & Leigh College – National Technical & Vocational Excellence
Host: Joanne Hall
Info: This session, led by Jo Hall from the Construction Technical Excellence College at Wigan & Leigh College, will explore the college’s leading role in shaping high‑quality technical and vocational education across the North West. Wigan & Leigh College has recently been appointed as one of only nine national Technical and Vocational Excellence (TVE) Hubs in England, recognised for its outstanding contribution to technical skills development and its strong partnerships with employers and education providers.
Jo will outline how the college is driving innovation in construction, technical training, and workforce development, supporting educators and providers as new qualifications such as T Levels, and revised Level 2 pathways are introduced.
The session will highlight opportunities for collaboration, curriculum development, and regional skills planning — ensuring learners across Cheshire, Warrington, and the wider North West gain access to industry‑aligned, future‑ready training.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Cheshire & Warrington Draft Skills Plan – Consultation and Q&A
Host: Sandra Rothwell
Info: This session, led by Sandra Rothwell, Interim Director of Growth at the Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA), will present the Draft Skills Plan for C&W and invite feedback as part of the formal consultation process. Sandra will outline the plan’s purpose, which aims to create “a more responsive, inclusive and employer‑led skills system” that supports residents into good jobs and helps employers access the skilled workforce they need. The plan sets out priorities for future commissioning, aligning provision with economic growth sectors, improving access to high‑quality training, and ensuring those furthest from the labour market can progress. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and contribute directly to shaping the final version of the Skills Plan before its adoption.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Chester Bluecoat Charity, Upper Northgate Street, Chester, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.