Keynote speakers include Prof Anna Vignoles, Professor of Education at Cambridge University, who studies how we can improve students’ academic achievement and help them develop the skills they need in the labour market. She has a particular interest in inequalities and the gap in attainment across socio-economic groups. She will focus on how COVID-19 has impacted the labour market for school leavers.
The meeting will also be joined by Anthony Browne MP, who was elected MP for South Cambridgeshire at the last election.
Jane Paterson-Todd, CEO of Cambridge Ahead, which commissioned the Rand report on Careers Guidance in schools in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, will provide a summary of the report’s findings and recommendations.
A representative of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, another sponsor of the Rand report and a major partner of Form the Future, will outline how they plan to focus on skills in the coming period.
Anne Bailey, CEO of Form the Future says: “We hope the conference acts as a catalyst for new ways to come together as a community to prepare our young people for their futures. We will share how we’ve adapted to Covid-19 to continue our work to upskill Cambridge, future-proof employment in the area and improve social mobility.”
Sponsors will contribute to lightning talks and workshops on a range of topics including STEM outreach, the Kickstart scheme and apprenticeships, and virtual work experience.
All are welcome to join what promises to be a thought-provoking couple of hours with representatives from schools, business and government. With the attainment gap widening and the prospect of economic scarring for school and college leavers as a result of Covid-19, this will be a crucial and timely discussion.
This event is generously supported by the Cambridge Independent, Kameo Recruitment, Cambition, Lexington Communications, Athena Leaders and EIT Food Annual Food Agenda.
Please contact Sue Walden to learn more about sponsoring this event