Form the Future’s Annual Conference 2024 was hosted this year at AstraZeneca’s Discovery Centre in the heart of the biomedical campus in Cambridge. Drawing leaders from education, industry, and policy to address challenges and opportunities in fostering inclusive growth, the event underscored Cambridge’s unique position as a high-growth region and highlighted the importance of creating equitable opportunities for all.
Key discussions focused on ensuring economic growth raises living standards universally, with panellists stressing the need for sustainable infrastructure, accessible transport, and workplaces that inspire creativity. Experts advocated for bridging skills gaps through apprenticeships, diverse career pathways, and greater integration of vocational and academic education. Dr Kathryn Chapman, Executive Director of Innovate Cambridge, emphasised the value of supporting neurodiverse talent and building awareness of non-STEM roles critical to the region’s future.
The conference also explored the importance of nurturing local talent and fostering inclusivity. Dr Nikos Savvas DL, CEO for Eastern Education Group, called for stronger ties between businesses and schools, reducing dependence on imported skills. Discussions highlighted equity-focused approaches to career development, with AstraZeneca’s Christina Dumitriu Jackson proposing digital campaigns to promote diverse career paths. Speakers also championed apprenticeships as a key pathway to success.
Addressing inequality was central to the event, with a discussion led by Kath Austin of Form the Future. Panellists explored how vocational training, sustainable infrastructure, and community partnerships can empower marginalised young people and ensure growth benefits all.
Cllr Dr Elisa Meschini highlighted the need for tailored opportunities, describing it as “creating the right boxes, putting them under the right people, and raising the floor.”
Oli de Botton, Chief Executive of the Careers & Enterprise Company, outlined a forward-thinking vision for careers education in his keynote speech, emphasising collaboration and innovation to prepare young people for their futures. He highlighted the importance of tailored approaches at each stage of education. In primary schools, careers education reduces stereotypes and raises aspirations. In secondary schools, meaningful employer interactions and reflection on skills expose students to diverse career paths, including technical and vocational routes alongside higher education.
He emphasised the critical role of targeted transition support, particularly for 16 year-olds moving to college. Effective guidance during this phase significantly improves outcomes in employment, further study, and independent living.
Oli also identified key shifts shaping the future of careers provision: improving quality over coverage, increasing uptake of apprenticeships and technical routes, embedding careers education into daily school life, and achieving universal excellence through collaboration.
For more information on our work and what you can do to help young people in our region - visit www.formthefuture.org.uk or email info@formthefuture.org.uk
Work experience emerged as a transformative tool for building confidence and critical skills. In workshops, innovative models like student consultancy projects and long-term placements were highlighted as vital for fostering adaptability and providing real-world experience.
A ‘fireside chat’ with Prashant Shah, Chair of Form the Future and Andrea Wood MBE, Assistant Director for Skills and Employment at the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, celebrated the region’s achievements in pivotal sectors, including tech, green tech, and life sciences. Andrea announced that Cambridge and Peterborough have been selected as a trailblazer region for the “Get Britain Working” initiative, further cementing their position as leaders in workforce innovation.
Closing the event, Prashant thanked attendees, speakers, and CEO Anne Bailey for her and her team's amazing work over the past year. He praised the collaborative spirit of the conference, calling it a vital step in advancing inclusive growth and ensuring the region’s long-term prosperity.
