Our first regional networking event in Wales, and the fourth in our new series of Regional Networking Events, is kindly sponsored by PeoplePlus and supported by Conwy Employment Hub and The Better Health Generation.

Taking place on Wednesday 3rd May at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, the event is focused is on meeting recruitment demands in multiple industries and uniting the public and private sectors to share best practice and work closer together in the future.

Venue Cymru is located 10 minutes from all major transport links with fully accessible facilities and car parks.

Come along and join us, enjoy some refreshments, meet, network, share best practice and ideas with your employability colleagues and peers.

Here's what's in store:

10:30 Registration & Networking

11:10 Welcome from Scott Parkin FIEP | Group Chief Executive | IEP

11:20 Welcome from Sponsors – PeoplePlus

11:25 Seminar 1 – Economy, Skills, Local Economic Provision, Local Social Provision - Kelly Reynolds, Director of Employability and Skills | PeoplePlus Wales (Cymru) & Libby Duo FIEP, Strategic Manager Skills and Employability | Conwy Employment Hub | Conwy County Borough Council

11:55 Speed Networking

12:15 Seminar 2 – Youth Mental Health in Employment - Natalie Keating FIEP | Chief Executive | The Better Health Generation

12:45 Lunch & Networking

1:15 Event Close

Talking about the event Libby Duo FIEP, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Service and a Fellow of the IEP said; "It is pivotal the employability and skills sector 'are on the same page' post-pandemic.

She added: “The current skills and employment system consists of national, regional, and local employment and skills related schemes managed by different organisations and agencies, and this provision expanded rapidly during the pandemic.

“Significant and different labour market and skills challenges and opportunities now exist at both a national and local level and the impact of Covid-19 has created new challenges, exacerbating previous ones we were already facing.

“This is the IEP’s first networking event in Wales, so we are pleased it is being held in this region where so much good work has taken place to develop skills and help people into jobs and education.

“We hope even more people sign up and join us as this is a great opportunity to work together to support social and economic recovery across North Wales, to celebrate and professionalise the employability sector - especially for those new to the industry - and shine a light on the best ways to move forward collectively.”

IEP Group Chief Executive Scott Parkin FIEP said: “As the employability sector continues to evolve it’s important for employability professionals to have a platform to connect, share knowledge and learn from one another.

“We're excited to host this regional networking event in Wales and bring together employability professionals and other stakeholders to collaborate, inspire and drive positive change in our communities.”

A spokesperson for PeoplePlus added: “We believe by bringing organisations and people together to create opportunities for meaningful employment that will contribute to the growth of the Welsh economy. This event presents us with the perfect opportunity to do that.”

The event will feature seminars from speakers Kelly Reynolds, Director of Employability and Skills at PeoplePlus Wales (Cymru), Libby Duo FIEP, Strategic Manager Skills and Employability at Conwy Borough Council, and Natalie Keating FIEP, CEO of The Better Health Generation. Topics covered will include economy, skills, local economic provision, local social provision, and youth employment and mental health.

Other organisations set to be in attendance are Conwy County Council, Welsh Government, RCS Wales, Creating Enterprise, Serco, Careers Wales, DWP, Coleg Cambria, Grwp Llandrillo Menai, NHS Wales, Capita, Trigon Recruitment, Court Enforcement Services and Ambition North Wales.

IEP Regional Networking Event - Wales