Isle of Wight MP Richard Quigley has brought together employers, educators and community leaders for a landmark Skills Summit aimed at improving job opportunities and strengthening the Island’s workforce.
Held at the Isle of Wight College earlier this month, the event was organised by the MP for Isle of Wight West to hear directly from businesses about the challenges they face in recruitment and skills development.
The Summit brought together representatives from key growth sectors identified by the Government, including Advanced Manufacturing, Defence, Digital and Creative industries.
Among those attending were GKN Aerospace, Vikoma, WightFibre, BAE Systems, Isle of Wight Tomatoes, Vestas, Yokogawa, Johnson Electric and IFPL Group. Rob Johnson, the new Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, also attended on behalf of the business community.
In his opening remarks, Richard Quigley MP called for stronger collaboration between employers and education providers to ensure local people are equipped with the skills needed for high-quality, well-paid jobs. He also stressed the importance of ensuring no learner is left behind – regardless of age or background.
Participants took part in table discussions, identifying key challenges and potential solutions. The MP’s team collated outcomes from the discussions, which will help shape future action and policy focus. Businesses were encouraged to continue meeting quarterly to track progress ahead of next year’s Skills Summit.
The Isle of Wight College, Isle of Wight Youth Trust, the Careers Enterprise Company and Isle of Wight Council supported the event and presented on major themes, including work experience, progression and inclusion.
Richard Quigley MP said:
“This is just the start. But business leaders didn’t shy away from the challenge. Everyone recognises we must act if we’re to drive growth and reverse decline on the Isle of Wight. Everyone agreed we can make the Island an even better place to live, work and learn. By working together, we can support even more Islanders into employment.
“I’m determined to use my time as MP for Isle of Wight West to help join the dots between education and employment – ensuring no learner is left behind, regardless of age.”
Geoff Underwood, CEO of IFPL Group and founder of WightAid, praised the initiative, saying:
“I am very pleased that the MP for Isle of Wight West recognises the issues that we face here on the Island and is leading the conversation.
“It is essential that we help our young people identify and develop the skills that they will need as they move into the world of employment. This starts with ensuring that they believe in and understand the many varied career opportunities that exist right here on their doorstep.
“I look forward to seeing future conversations between employers, education providers and the young people who will be building the talent pool of the future.”
Ros Parker OBE, the now-former Principal and CEO of the Isle of Wight College, said:
“We were delighted to host such an engaging and thought provoking event at the Isle of Wight College.
“The skills summit really shone a light on the transformational impact of attracting, recruiting and retaining a talented and skilled workforce to meet local needs. It was so powerful to see such engagement of employers across the Island in Richard’s first skills summit.”
Jobs, where, this liebour government have increased NI for employers, many island businesses have either closed or are just not taking anyone on because of this, wake up Quigley, nothing you do will make an ounce of difference, your finished as is your party.
100% spot on.
The WEF plan is to finish off small businesses and it’s
happening.
You will own nothing and be happy
2030 is not far away, make the most of the next 4 years
is my advice.
The future is A.I so many roles can be replaced with
A.I
Who needs doctors, human resources, cleaners, etc etc
A.I can do all these roles more effectively and cheaply
(No salaries or sick pay to pay either)
Driverless vehicles are already in many places
around the world, so who needs taxi drivers in the
future.
The future for the majority of people will be
U.B.I (Universal basic income)