Turning insight into impact: addressing future skills needs

Setting the context for future skills

Faye Treloar set out the wider context for skills demand across the UK’s priority growth sectors. She highlighted the pace of technological change and the importance of coordinated employer-led approaches to ensure skills systems can keep pace with innovation.

Understanding workforce demand through data

The session focused on workforce intelligence, with Andrew Jones outlining how insight from tools such as the Nuclear Workforce Assessment is being used to build a clearer picture of current and future skills demand. The discussion highlighted how moving beyond headline figures helps identify critical skills, regional pressures and risks linked to an ageing workforce, informing more targeted skills planning and investment.

Skills for a changing clean energy system

Discussion then turned to clean energy. Jude Knight explored skills requirements linked to emerging technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture, emphasising the importance of anticipatory skills frameworks, safety-led standards and regional approaches to ensure training provision can respond at pace as new technologies are deployed.

Strengthening early talent pathways

The focus then shifted to workforce readiness and early talent development. Stephen Foreman highlighted the role of industrial placements and early talent pathways in supporting transitions into STEM sectors, improving practical experience and strengthening long-term skills pipeline.

A shared approach to future skills

The session closed with Faye Treloar, who returned to reflect on the importance of collaboration across employers, education providers and policy makers. Audience questions reinforced the need for practical experience; skills transfer between sectors and accessible pathways across different qualification levels.

Across the discussion, a shared message emerged: closing future skills gaps required coordinated, employer-led action delivered through education and supported by national and regional collaboration.

To hear the full discussion, watch the webinar recording and explore more Talent & Skills Connect sessions focused on building the UK’s future workforce.