Richard Quigley MP invited Island employers, community organisations and leaders to a landmark Skills Summit, held at the Isle of Wight College last week (9 October). The Summit was organised by the MP for Isle of Wight West to hear from business leaders and identify barriers to employment.
The summit brought together sectors recognised by the government as key growth areas including, Advanced Manufacturing, Defence, Digital and Creative.
GKN Aerospace, Vikoma, WightFibre, BAE Systems, Isle of Wight Tomatoes, Vestas, Yokogawa, Johnson Electric, and IFPL Group were just some of the businesses which participated. The new CEO of the Chamber of Commerce was also invited on behalf of all members.
In his opening remarks, Mr Quigley MP highlighted the need to break down barriers to employment; for businesses to work with skills providers to ensure we are developing the skills needed to support people into well paid jobs; and ensure no learner is left behind- regardless of age.
Table discussions were held in small groups, with key points collated by the MP’s team. Mr Quigley highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors, need to avoid duplication, and join the dots between education and employment. Throughout the Summit the MP emphasised the need to focus on outcomes and businesses were encouraged to commit to meeting quarterly in order to track results ahead of next years’ Summit.
The Isle of Wight College, Isle of Wight Youth Trust, Careers Enterprise Company, and Isle of Wight Council all supported the event and presented on key themes including:
- Work experience: identifying barriers to creating and hosting meaningful work experience, and discussing opportunities to develop a wider industry/island-wide work experience scheme for islanders.
- Progression: exploring post-16 pathways, and potential to increase apprenticeships and T-Level placements
- Inclusion: identifying barriers for SEND learners and those not in education, employment or training (NEETS) and supporting more people into employment.
Richard Quigley MP said:
“This is just the start. But business leaders didn’t shy away from the challenge. Everyone recognises we must act if we’re to drive growth and reverse decline on the Island. And everyone agreed, we can make the Island an even better place to live, work and learn. By working together, we can support even more Islanders into employment.”
“I’m determined to use my time as MP for Isle of Wight West to help join the dots between education and employment- ensuring no learner is left behind, regardless of age. “
The Summit marks a significant step towards breaking down the barriers to employment, by developing clearer employment pathways on the Island and developing the skills needed.
Ros Parker OBE, Principal and CEO of IOW College said:
“We were delighted to host such an engaging and thought provoking event at the Isle of Wight College. The skills summit really shone a light on the transformational impact of attracting, recruiting and retaining a talented and skilled workforce to meet local needs. It was so powerful to see such engagement of employers across the Island in Richard’s first skills summit.”
Geoff Underwood, CEO IFPL Group, and founder of WightAid underlined a positive experience:
“I am very pleased that the MP for Isle of Wight West recognises the issues that we face here on the Island and is leading the conversation. It is essential that we help our young people identify and develop the skills that they will need as they move into the World of employment. This starts with ensuring that they believe in and understand the many varied career opportunities that exist right here on their doorstep. I look forward to seeing future conversations between employers, education providers and the young people who will be building the talent pool of the future.”
