Form the Future CIC

What an incredible day! But sadly, Form the Future's Annual Conference 2024 has come to an end. We would like to thank our sponsors for this year's event: Greater Cambridge Partnership Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan Cambridge University Press & Assessment The Careers & Enterprise Company Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Business Weekly newspaper Cambridge Network Cambridge Ahead College of West Anglia AstraZeneca for hosting us at their incredible Discovery Centre 🧪 💬 And of course, we can't forget our fabulous speakers! Keynote Speaker: Oli de Botton, The Careers & Enterprise Company Professor Ross Renton, ARU Peterborough Dr Kathryn Chapman, Innovate Cambridge Jane Hutchins, Cambridge Science Park Owen Garling, Bennett Institute for Public Policy Sue Foxley, Bidwells Pri Pinnaduwa FCIPD, Form the Future and Artios Dr Nikos Savvas DL, Eastern Education Group Lynn Walters, Pure Executive Olu Orugboh, Cambridge Wireless Ltd & Black Talent & Leadership in STEM Christina Dumitriu Jackson, AstraZeneca Ryan Kelsall, Eastern Learning Alliance) Hollie Church, Illumina Matthew Poole, Youth Futures Foundation Cllr Dr Elisa Meschini, Greater Cambridge Partnership Heidi Mulvey, Cambridge University Press & Assessment Mark Kirby, Olive Academies Joanna Starkie, PA Consulting Nick Frank, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan Gareth John, First Intuition Dan Thorp, Cambridge Ahead Kim Hardman, AstraZeneca Mark Hilton, BusinessLDN Prashant Shah, Chair, Form the Future Andrea Wood MBE, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Thank you again from all over us at Form the Future. The team has worked incredibly hard to pull this event together, we hope you all enjoyed it, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year! #FormTheFutureConference24 Anne Bailey

The afternoon sessions of Form the Future's Annual Conference 2024 were packed with insightful discussions and workshops, exploring how we can ensure inclusive growth, provide meaningful opportunities for young people, and foster collaboration for a thriving future. 💬 Inclusive Growth Panellists: Kath Austin (Host), Form the Future CIC Ryan Kelsall, Eastern Learning Alliance) Hollie Church, Illumina Matthew Poole, Youth Futures Foundation Cllr Dr Elisa Meschini, Greater Cambridge Partnership We explored the realities of inequality in the UK, particularly in Cambridge, and its impact on opportunities, community cohesion, and productivity. Key takeaways included: It's about meeting people where they are to level the playing field. Apprenticeships, vocational opportunities, and individual placement support are critical for helping young people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds. Including voices with lived experiences is essential to designing effective interventions. Hollie shared a poignant personal story about her time in education and employment and how she’s now working to help bridge for gap for others. 🛠️ Workshop: The Value of Work Experience Panelists: David Brockway (Host), Form the Future Heidi Mulvey, Cambridge University Press & Assessment Mark Kirby, Olive Academies Joanna Starkie, PA Consulting Nick Frank Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan This workshop emphasised the transformative impact of work experience for both students and employers. Panelists shared how work experience has benefited their organisations, and other attendees participated in group discussions to reflect on the day’s themes and consider actionable insights. 🌱 Growing Together Panellists: Gareth John (Host), First Intuition Dan Thorp, Cambridge Ahead Kim Hardman, AstraZeneca Mark Hilton, BusinessLDN This panel focused on how strategic partnerships and regional collaboration can drive "good growth" for all. Key themes included: The power of collaboration between businesses and training providers, as seen in Local Skills Improvement Plans. Recognising Cambridge’s success as intertwined with its connections across the UK and beyond. 🛋️ Closing Address & Fireside Chat Speakers: Prashant Shah, Chair, Form the Future Andrea Wood MBE, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Prashant and Andrea closed the day with a forward-looking discussion on the future skills agenda. Andrea highlighted: Key growth sectors like construction, digital, life sciences, agri-tech, and defence. The importance of Careers Hubs in bridging gaps and expanding opportunities. Exciting news: Our region is one of eight in England to receive trailblazer funding through the Government’s Get Britain Working initiative to help more young people "earn and learn." 👏 A huge thank-you to our speakers and attendees for a thought-provoking and inspiring afternoon. #FormTheFutureConference24 #Cambridge

We’ve had an inspiring start to the Form the Future Annual Conference 2024 with words from Anne Bailey, Lisa King and Shaun Grady before diving into crucial conversations about places, spaces, people, and talent. ⭐ Highlights so far: 🏫 Places & Spaces Panellists included: Steve Thompson (Host), Form the Future CIC Professor Ross Renton, ARU Peterborough Dr Kathryn Chapman, Innovate Cambridge Jane Hutchins, Cambridge Science Park Owen Garling, Bennett Institute for Public Policy Sue Foxley, Bidwells 💡 Our expert panel discussed environments that foster growth and create opportunities for everyone. The Importance of Spaces: Modern workplaces prioritise visibility and collaboration, integrating science and innovation into everyday environments. Both physical settings and workplace culture are critical for success. Connecting with Young People: Aspirational infrastructure can inspire and engage the next generation. Accessible apprenticeships and equitable hiring processes are essential to create opportunities for all young people. "Don't do things to people, co-create with them." Professor Ross Renton Essential soft skills for the future: Understanding AI Relationship building Communication skills Buoyancy and perseverance 🫂 People & Talent Panellists: Pri Pinnaduwa FCIPD (Host), Form the Future and Artios Dr Nikos Savvas DL, Eastern Education Group Lynn Walters, Pure Executive Olu Orugboh, Cambridge Wireless Ltd & Black Talent & Leadership in STEM Christina Dumitriu Jackson, AstraZeneca 💡 The panel shared key strategies. Raising Awareness: Employers are eager to connect with young talent, but many young people remain unaware of the opportunities available in the region. Expanding Representation: Collaboration between education and workplaces is essential to equip young people with future-ready skills. Digital campaigns showcasing diverse career paths can reduce anxiety and inspire confidence. Sustainability & Opportunity: Young people are drawn to companies that align with their environmental and social values. Apprenticeships were highlighted as a critical tool, providing young people with opportunities to explore their strengths and build confidence in their career choices. Keynote: Oli de Botton Oli de Botton, CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company, shared a roadmap for careers education, including five key shifts for success: 1. Coverage to Quality 2. Outreach to Intake 3. Interest to Update 4. Margins to Mainstream 5. Most to All Oli also emphasised NEET prevention, teacher training, and curriculum development to prepare young people for a dynamic future. 💬 Thank you to all our speakers and panellists for these valuable discussions! What resonated most with you? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #FormTheFutureConference24 #Cambridge #Careers Pippa Heylings

🎉 We’re thrilled to announce the start of Form the Future’s Annual Conference 2024! Taking place today at AstraZeneca’s Discovery Centre (DISC) on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, this year’s conference brings together an exceptional mix of educators, employers, policymakers, and government officials. Our theme: High Growth Areas: Fulfilling the Opportunities for Young People From inspiring talks to panel discussions, seminars, and networking opportunities, we’re exploring how to equip young people with the skills and pathways needed to thrive in high-growth communities. 🌟 Keynote Speaker: Oli de Botton, Chief Executive, The Careers & Enterprise Company 👥 Agenda Themes: 🔹 Places & Spaces 🔹 People & Talent 🔹 Inclusive Growth 🔹 Growing Together This full-day event is an unparalleled opportunity to gain the latest insights, exchange ideas, and make connections that will shape the future of young people in our communities. Stay tuned, and let’s get started making an impact together! #FormTheFutureConference24 #Careers #Education #Cambridge Anne Bailey Business Weekly newspaper

Today's the big day! But before we begin this year's Form the Future Annual Conference 2024, we are very excited to share that Andrea Wood MBE, Assistant Director for Skills and Employment at the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, will be joining Prashant Shah for a fireside chat on the future possibilities for our region. #FormTheFutureConference24 Business Weekly newspaper

Tomorrow is the big day! 📢 But before it begins, we are proud to announce the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority as one of our generous sponsors for this year's Form the Future Annual Conference 2024. We have a packed agenda covering themes including: Places & Spaces, People & Talent, Inclusive Growth and Growing Together. "The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Careers Hub, and Combined Authority, are delighted to support the Form the Future Conference. United in an ambition to help our young people secure their best possible future we are working across the region to help grow the links between the world of work and education to make this a reality.” Steve Walker, Careers Hub Operational Manager at The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Careers Hub, and Combined Authority #FormTheFutureConference24 Business Weekly newspaper

The cold never stops us! ❄️ Last week we were at Linton Village College for a fantastic Year 9 'What's My Line?' event and Comberton Village College delivering invaluable Mock Interview sessions with Year 13 students. Thank you to our ambassadors: Kevin Horlock - The New Croft Leann Rodney-Janes - AtkinsRéalis Julia Schumann-Pratt & Karen Godfrey - Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Stephen Chapman - Self-employed Licarl Julien - British Army Sasha Willmott - Jazz Pharmaceuticals Vikki Evans & Amy Curran - Illumina Stephen Blackmore - Turners (Soham) Ltd Darren James - University of the Arts London Elizabeth Clark - retired HR for the NHS If you are interested in joining our growing ambassador community, DM our Ambassador Engagement Manager, Dawn Easby Thwaits, or click the link to find out more - https://lnkd.in/giiag-mF #ambassadors #volunteering #careers #cambridgeshire #cambridge Greater Cambridge Partnership Peter Buncombe

Finally this week, we are excited to share that Joanna Starkie, Principle Applied Chemist at PA Consulting, will be part of an esteemed panel of experts at this year's Form the Future Annual Conference 2024. Let's discuss the latest insights, information, and perspectives on preparing young people for careers in high-growth communities. #FormTheFutureConference24 Business Weekly newspaper

Do you want to see Kathryn Chapman, Executive Director of Innovate Cambridge speaking at Form the Future's Annual Conference 2024 next week? Ticket sales close at 10am today - so don't delay and don't miss out! 🎟️ https://lnkd.in/eEzfPBQE We'll be discussing the latest insights, information, and perspectives on preparing young people for careers in high-growth communities. #FormTheFutureConference24 Business Weekly newspaper

We are excited to announce that Anne Bailey will be speaking this evening at The Crown Estate's STEAM Skills and Opportunity Panel.   This roundtable event will be an opportunity to discuss how we can utilise the Northeast Cambridge ecosystem as a space to form meaningful social impact and explore STEAM opportunities.   It is also our pleasure to announce that The Crown Estate has become our latest industry partner as part of our Cambridge LaunchPad STEM programme.