Solutions for the Future - Hiring, Reskilling and Upskilling the Region

Solutions for the Future - Hiring, Reskilling and Upskilling the Region

By Business in the Community

Are you a business leader, HR professional, educator, or policymaker passionate about building a stronger, more inclusive workforce?

Date and time

Location

George Street

George Street Walsall WS1 United Kingdom

Agenda

Welcome and Introductions


Opening Remarks: Brief introduction to the event's purpose and goals. The importance of inclusive employment and skills development in the West Midlands

Keynote Moments - The Power of Purposeful Employment


Inspirational Talks: BITC’s “Inspire, Hire, Thrive” framework and how businesses can drive social mobility through inclusive hiring and development practices.

Panel Discussion: “Skills for the West Midlands – What’s Working?”


Themes: • Sector-specific skills gaps (e.g., construction, care, digital) • Apprenticeship levy transfers • Employer-led training models

Break and networking

Workshop: “Inclusive Hiring and Reskilling in Practice”


Interactive session: • Case studies of inclusive recruitment • How to support people with barriers to work (e.g., long-term unemployed, refugees, young people) • Practical tools for SMEs

Roundtable Discussions: “What Can We Do Together?”


Facilitated tables by theme: • Youth employment • Digital skills • Inclusive recruitment • Employer-led training Goal: Capture ideas, pledges, and partnerships.

Spotlight: “Walsall’s Social Mobility Challenge”


Focus: • Local deprivation and employment data • What businesses can do to improve life chances • Aligning with the “We Are Walsall 2040” vision

Closing Remarks and Next Steps


Summary of key takeaways Invitation to join a local employer skills network or pledge campaign Contact points for follow-up

Good to know

Highlights

  • 2 hours, 30 minutes
  • In person

About this event

This is an in person event.


Audience

This event is open to both members and non-members of Business in the Community (BITC). We are keen to have social enterprises and SMEs at the event.

Join us for a dynamic morning of insight, collaboration, and action. This event brings together employers, educators, and community leaders to tackle the region’s most pressing employment and skills challenges—head-on.


🔍 Why Attend?

Creating meaningful employment is one of the most significant ways that businesses can support individuals to break out of poverty. A good job offers security, rights, a fair income and opportunities for personal development and progression. Yet, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are far less likely to progress at work than their wealthier peers. For many low-income individuals, securing a job does not mean upward social mobility; but instead, remaining in a low-skill, low-pay cycle.

  • Discover how to hire inclusively, reskill effectively, and upskill strategically.
  • Learn from Business in the Community (BITC) and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) about regional strategies and national frameworks.
  • Explore local social mobility challenges and how your organisation can be part of the solution.
  • Connect with peers, training providers, and policymakers to spark new partnerships.


🎤 What to Expect:

  • Keynotes from national and regional leaders in employment and skills
  • Panel discussions on what’s working in the West Midlands
  • Interactive workshop on inclusive hiring and reskilling
  • Roundtable networking to share ideas and build collaborations

Whether you're a small business or a large employer, this event will equip you with the tools, insights, and connections to make a real impact.


👥 Who Should Attend?

  • Employers and HR professionals
  • Local authorities and policymakers
  • Colleges, training providers, and educators
  • Community organisations and employment support services

Refreshments

Light refreshments will be served.

Booking, contact details and further information

  • Contact Andreea.Tudor@bitc.org.uk, Regional Lead at BITC for any further questions.
  • Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

Find out how your organisation can become a member of Business in the Community

Organised by

Business in the Community

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Free
Sep 18 · 13:30 GMT+1