Lifelong Learning Forum: Improving Adult Learning and Creating a Multi-Skilled Workforce

Thursday 13th February 2020

Zone 1, Central London

Key Points
  • Discuss how the National Retraining Scheme can help deliver effective retraining and opportunities to support a multi-skilled workforce
  • Reflect on the lessons learned from the 'Get Help to Retrain' digital service in order to make improvements in future rollouts
  • Embedding a culture of continuous learning, encouraging mentorship and coaching, and fostering career development
  • Capitalising on the Adult Learning Technology Innovation Fund and developing digital technologies to help support online training for adults
  • Supporting hard to reach groups and creating a resilient and inclusive workforce by ensuring there are different routes into learning and retraining
Overview
Expert speakers include:

  • Lord Clement-Jones , Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Digital Economy, House of Lords
  • Michael Carney, Policy Engagement Lead, National Retraining Scheme Division, Department for Education
  • Iain Murray, Senior Policy Officer, Trades Union Congress
  • Nic Trower, Policy Advisor - Education and Skills, CBI
  • Nimmi Patel, Policy Manager, Tech UK
  • John Fisher, Chief Executive, Citizens Online
  • Ruth Francis, Head of Organisational Development, Greater Manchester Mental
  • Health NHS Foundation Trust
  • Charlotte Collyer, Regional Coordinator, Heart of the South West Local Digital Skills Partnership
  • Nesta Representative

    Westminster Insight’s half-day forum will bring together key figures to discuss with you the future of retraining adults and creating a multi-skilled workforce.

    The government estimates around 7.4% of jobs (equivalent to 1.5 million) in England could be automated or partly automated in the coming years, signifying an urgent need to up-skill the current workforce.

    The National Retraining Scheme has been introduced as a response to the changing nature of emerging jobs and new tasks that people will need advance in the workplace, presenting both challenges and opportunities to businesses and institutions.

    You will explore options to those who may want to consider new careers during their working lives. You’ll also examine the Get Help to Retrain digital service, discuss ways to adapt to new changes in the economy, and review retraining opportunities in the process.

    We will place a special focus on developing technologies and how future plans to increase digital inclusion can provide all adults with better access to training and education.

    Join us to engage with educators, learners and employers and gain expert knowledge and practical solutions to delivering future retraining for adults that will prepare the workforce for economic growth.
Agenda
Start

08:30 - 09:00
Registration, Tea and Coffee

 

09:00 - 09:10
Chair and Westminster Insight Opening Remarks

 
Speakers

Lord Clement-Jones CBE Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Digital Economy, House of Lords

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09:10 - 09:40
Keynote Address: How the National Retraining Scheme can help prepare Adults to Create a More Inclusive and Resilient Workforce

 
  • Delivering effective retraining and opportunities nationally by developing schemes with the people and businesses that will use it
  • Retraining adults whose jobs might change due to advances in technology and implementing progression pathways to ensure retention
  • Building a resilient labour market that can adapt to changes in skills demand through collaborations and lifelong learning

    Questions and Discussion: 09:30 – 09:40
Speakers

Michael Carney Policy Engagement Lead, National Retraining Scheme Division, Department for Education

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09:40 - 10:30
The National Retraining Scheme: Exploring the Strategic Development and Rollout of the Scheme

 
  • Helping businesses and workers to provide feedback to develop the National Retraining Scheme and meet the needs of adults in the process
  • Adapting to future economy changes in order to successfully progress all workers
  • Reflecting on the lessons learned from the ‘Get Help to Retrain’ digital service in order to make improvements in future roll outs

    Questions and Discussion: 10:15 – 10:30
Speakers

Michael Carney Policy Engagement Lead, National Retraining Scheme Division, Department for Education

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Iain Murray Senior Policy Officer, Trades Union Congress

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Nic Trower Policy Advisor - Education and Skills, CBI

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10:30 - 11:15
Encouraging People Explore the Different Pathways into The Workplace and See the Value of Lifelong Learning

 
  • Update on the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund
  • Making apprenticeships more accessible to adults and current employees who would like to gain further qualifications
  • Embedding a culture of continuous learning, encouraging mentorship and coaching, and fostering career development
  • Discussing the importance of continued professional development for senior management 
  • Understanding the value of long-term investment in your workforce and organisation

    Questions and Discussion: 11:00– 11:15
Speakers

Ruth Francis Head of Organisational Development, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

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11:15 - 11:50
Networking Tea and Coffee Break

 

11:50 - 12:20
Increasing Digital Inclusion by Providing All Adults with Access to Digital Training and Education

 
  • Exploring the role of the Digital Skills Partnership, bringing together public, private and voluntary organisations to upskill the workforce
  • Sharing insight from the Digital Skills Innovation Fund: encouraging people to engage with digital upskilling
  • Tackling exclusions by supporting all groups and ages to create an efficient work environment

    Questions and Discussion: 12:10 – 12:20

Speakers

Charlotte Collyer Regional Coordinator, Heart of the South West Local Digital Skills Partnership

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12:20 - 13:00
Capitalising on the Adult Learning Technology Innovation Fund and Developing Digital Technologies to Help Support Online Training for Adults

 
  • Encouraging adults to upskill and retrain to progress in their careers or find new employment
  • Developing cutting edge solutions to improve the quality of online learning for adults
  • Accessing personalised information, advice and guidance to support progression
  • Exploring the importance of gaining insight into local labour markets in a time of rapidly changing skill-needs

    Questions and Discussion: 12:50 – 13:00
Speakers

Representative Nesta

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Nimmi Patel Policy Manager, Tech UK

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13:00 - 13:30
Case Study: Countering Digital Exclusion by Supporting Older Adults to Develop Basic Digital Skills

 
  • Analysing inclusion schemes that have contributed to tackling digital shortages and exclusion 
  • Supporting hard to reach groups and creating a resilient workforce by ensuring there are different routes into learning and retraining 

    Questions and Discussion: 13:20 – 13:30

Speakers

John Fisher Chief Executive, Citizens Online

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13:30 - 13:40
Chair’s and Westminster Insight’s Closing Remarks

 
End
Speakers

Representative Nesta

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Michael Carney Policy Engagement Lead, National Retraining Scheme Division, Department for Education

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Lord Clement-Jones CBE Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Digital Economy, House of Lords

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Charlotte Collyer Regional Coordinator, Heart of the South West Local Digital Skills Partnership

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John Fisher Chief Executive, Citizens Online

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Ruth Francis Head of Organisational Development, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

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Iain Murray Senior Policy Officer, Trades Union Congress

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Nimmi Patel Policy Manager, Tech UK

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Nic Trower Policy Advisor - Education and Skills, CBI

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Venue details

Zone 1 Central London

Speakers
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