Southwark College was proud to host the launch of the Central London Employer Advisory Group, part of the Bridge Central London Skills Partnership. This partnership aims to bring together industry leaders and education providers to tackle the skills gaps in Central London's green and digital sectors.

This event represented a significant step forward in creating meaningful collaborations between businesses and training providers, ensuring the workforce is prepared for the evolving job market. The discussions focused on enhancing opportunities for learners and building a talent pipeline that meets future needs.

The key highlight of the event was a panel of speakers, each sharing valuable insights into their respective industries, including Lord Philip Hunt of Kings Heath OBE, Minister of State at the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, who stressed the government's dedication to developing skills in crucial sectors, and Kevin O'Connor, Head of Social Value Delivery at Durkan, who highlighted the growing demand for green skills within the construction sector.

Florian Gallier, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Mo-Sys, discussed the increasing significance of digital innovation in today's workforce. Fernanda Vargas Mendez, an award-winning Degree Apprentice at IBM, provided an inspiring perspective on how apprenticeships can lead to successful careers, and Edward Richardson, Director of People & Skills at BusinessLDN, examined the broader economic impacts of skills shortages and the importance of collaborative solutions.

Jane Button, Principal at Southwark College, said: "We were delighted to host the EAG launch event on our campus. As a proud partner of the Bridge Central London Skills Partnership, we are committed to collaborating closely with employers to create training programmes that align with the ever-evolving demands of the workforce. Our goal is to equip students with the essential skills that employers urgently need, ensuring they are prepared for the careers of tomorrow."

The launch event begins a collaborative effort to align education with industry needs. As a key partner in the Bridge initiative, Southwark College is committed to working closely with employers to develop training programmes that respond to the evolving demands of the workforce, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the careers of tomorrow.

Find out more about the partnership on the Bridge website.