Bringing skills and apprenticeship expertise together at Westminster

On 29 July, Warren Founder and Owner Richard Bridgman travelled to Westminster for a meeting with Baroness Debbie Stedman-Scott to continue an important conversation around skills, apprenticeships and opportunities for young people.

The meeting had originally been planned for the House of Lords, but with building works taking place, the group relocated to Portcullis House within the Parliamentary Estate.

Baroness Stedman-Scott, who is Shadow Minister for Skills in the House of Lords, had recently visited Warren and brings many years of experience in supporting young people who are NEET – Not in Education, Employment or Training. She was joined at the meeting by her researcher, Sam.

Having seen first-hand Debbie’s knowledge and enthusiasm for addressing the challenges facing young people, Richard was keen to introduce her to Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity.

Richard has worked with Ann for many years through their shared interest in promoting apprenticeships and developing skills within engineering and manufacturing. Bringing the two together provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, ideas and perspectives on some of the challenges facing employers and young people today.

Skills development and apprenticeships have always been important to Warren. We have seen the difference that the right training, workplace experience and support can make, not only to individuals but also to businesses looking to develop their future workforce.

Meetings like this provide an opportunity for people with different areas of expertise to share knowledge and consider how industry, education and policymakers can work more closely together.

For Richard, the meeting was another valuable opportunity to champion apprenticeships and ensure the experiences of employers like Warren form part of the wider conversation about skills and employment.

We look forward to seeing where these conversations lead.