Keynotes speakers include Prof Anna Vignoles, Professor of Education at the University of Cambridge, 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 as well as Cllr Neil Gough from Greater Cambridge Partnership, who 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 lightening 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 Athena Leaders, Cambridge Independent, Cambition, Kameo Recruitment, Lexington Communications, Shifties and The University of Cambridge, a participant of Annual Food Agenda, funded by EIT Food.
Please contact Sue Walden on swalden@formthefuture.org.uk to learn more about sponsoring this event.