Unlocking Somerset Talent - Apprenticeships & Education Partnerships

Why you should attend

This event provides you with an opportunity to meet leading figures shaping the county’s future.

Convened by His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Somerset and the High Sheriff of Somerset

Joined by renowned entrepreneur and investor Deborah Meaden

Supported by University Centre Somerset College Group, Yeovil College and Somerset Chamber of Commerce

Hosted by Passion for Somerset CIC and North Cadbury Court

This event offers a unique opportunity to explore Somerset’s potential, build valuable partnerships and gain insight into the region’s growth, innovation and investment opportunities.

Purpose

To inspire business leaders in Somerset to support young people by offering meaningful opportunities through apprenticeships, training and education, helping to build a stronger, more sustainable local economy.

About our principal sponsors

Eurilait is one of the UK's leading suppliers of high-quality speciality cheeses and dairy products. With a 44,000sq ft cutting, packing and distribution facility based in the heart of Somerset, in Evercreech, Eurilait provides high-quality products to food retail, wholesale and manufacturing businesses in the UK and Ireland. Eurilait is a subsidiary of French dairy cooperatives, Laïta and Eurial.

Porter Dodson is a Top 200 UK Law Firm, providing commercial and private legal services to individuals and businesses across Somerset, Devon and Dorset. Our straight-talking, pragmatic approach to legal advice is the result of over 25 years of experience and talent development. We do more than offer a range of options, we’ll help you find the route that’s right for you, providing a clear sense of direction on how to best protect your family and assets.

Event organisers

Convened by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Somerset and the High Sheriff of Somerset and hosted by Passion for Somerset CIC.

Supported by University Centre Somerset College Group, Yeovil College and Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

Target Audience

Small to medium-sized employers in Somerset looking to engage with apprenticeships, upskill the next generation and future-proof their businesses.

What we’re aiming to do

Through practical insights, inspiring stories and expert guidance, the event will demonstrate how collaboration between business and education can be a powerful force for change.

We aim to inspire business leaders in Somerset to support young people by offering meaningful opportunities through apprenticeships, training and education, helping to build a stronger, more sustainable local economy.

The event will

● Help equip the future workforce with the skills needed for the future

● Tackle the challenges Somerset’s youth face when trying to find work

● Recognise the importance of retaining talent and creating pathways for local employment

● Show how education and extracurricular activities shape well-rounded individuals

● Understand the challenges the young face and the transformative power of positive opportunities

● Give businesses insight into the opportunities available to them from successful apprenticeships schemes

● Help business identify how to reduce cost and increase productivity through effective training of staff

• ● Share the wider vision for Somerset focused on opportunity, skills and local growth

Key objectives

● Address youth employment challenges Help employers understand the barriers facing young people entering the job market in Somerset and how businesses can make a difference.

● Promote talent retention & local career pathways Showcase how creating opportunities for young people helps retain talent within the county and supports long-term business growth.

● Highlight the broader role of education Emphasise the impact of academic and extracurricular development on work-readiness, resilience and innovation among young people.

● Foster empathy and opportunity Understand the challenges the young face and the transformative power of positive opportunities.

● Champion collaboration for growth Share the vision of Passion for Somerset CIC and other key organisations working to create a more connected, opportunity-rich region.

● Give businesses perspective Detail how apprenticeships build loyalty, reduce recruitment costs, and enhance a company’s reputation as a company that invests in people.

PROGRAMME AND TIMINGS

09:00 – 09:30 Arrival & Coffee

09:30 Official Welcome

Mrs Janet Montgomery, High Sheriff of Somerset and owner & director, North Cadbury Court

Mr Mohammed Saddiq, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset

09:50 In conversation with

Deborah Meaden

10.30 How apprentices can transform your workforce - case studies from Somerset Larder and Singer Instruments

Steve Braithwaite, MD Somerset Larder, with hospitality Apprentices

Harry Singer, MD Singer Instruments with Jack Lewis Apprentice Design Engineer

11.00 Designing opportunity: How a strong brand attracts the next generation

Serin Brown - Ohana

11.15 -11.45 Coffee break

11:45 How to get started with apprenticeships - working with schools & colleges

Alex Clancy, Assistant Principal Employer Engagement, Yeovil College

Lucy Hawkins, Group Director - Future Skills & Growth, University Centre Somerset College Group

12.00 Apprenticeship Panel

Chaired by Matt Tudor, Chief Strategy Officer, University Centre Somerset College Group

12.20 Employers Panel

Chaired by Matt Tudor, Chief Strategy Officer, University Centre Somerset College Group

12.50 Principal sponsors remarks

Eurilait

Porter Dodson

13.10 Closing remarks

Dave Crew MD Somerset Chamber of Commerce

Summary of key takeaways and invitation to ongoing support programmes

13.30 Somerset showcase lunch and networking opportunity

Locally sourced buffet lunch prepared and served by Somerset Larder apprentices

14.30 Event ends