Engagement Team in Action: Building connections to bridge the skills gap

Written by Mandeep Sandhu (Sector Engagement Lead)

A busy few weeks, plenty of miles travelled, some great conversations and lots to think about!

One of the things I enjoy most about my role at Enginuity is getting out, meeting people and understanding what's really happening across different regions.

Over the past month, I've had the opportunity to attend some fantastic events, each offering a different perspective on the challenges and opportunities around skills, employment and manufacturing.

Where I've been

• Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance (CKMA) Business Event – Great conversations with Yorkshire manufacturers about the support available to businesses, skills shortages and the importance of making education more relevant to what employers actually need
• Leeds Manufacturing Festival Sponsors Dinner – A brilliant evening celebrating Yorkshire's manufacturing community and the work being done to inspire the next generation. Always encouraging to see so many businesses investing their time in young people
• Yorkshire Expo – A great opportunity to meet manufacturers, learn more about their businesses and explore where stronger connections between industry and education could make a difference
• Lancashire Skills Pledge Forum – Encouraging to see businesses coming together to offer work experience, apprenticeships and opportunities for local people to develop their skills
• Petty Pool Conference – A particularly important conversation about young people who face barriers to education and employment. A reminder that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't always equally accessible
• Heathrow North West and North Wales Business Summit – A chance to connect with businesses from different sectors, hear fresh perspectives and explore opportunities to work together.

Key insights from these events

Despite the different regions and sectors, many of the conversations come back to the same things: finding skilled people, giving young people a better understanding of career opportunities, and making it easier for employers and education providers to work together.

There's already some brilliant work happening. Sometimes the biggest opportunity isn't creating something new but connecting the right people and building on what's already there.

For me, that's where Enginuity can make a real difference.