Solent University hosts 2025 Skills Conference

Almost 30 new and current employer partners - including Carbon 60, Morgan Sindall and IOW Healthcare NHS foundation Trust - attended the conference which was packed with opportunities to learn, collaborate and network with local organisations.

Solent’s apprenticeship team and supporting associations - including Southampton Business and Skills Solutions, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Automate - were on hand to help employers explore the exciting opportunities available for organisations wanting to grow and develop their apprenticeship offerings.

Jo McBrearty, Head of Work Based Learning, presented the University’s new apprenticeship strategy, underlining Solent’s commitment to delivering practice-led, inclusive learning. She highlighted the importance of working more closely with industry, partners and civic leaders to anticipate future workforce needs.

The strategy recognises the need for flexible learning environments to encourage more people to access the benefits of apprenticeships. Jo also introduced Solent’s new online apprenticeship courses - Operations Manager, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner and Associate Project Manager - which are now open for application.

She went on to announce the launch of the University’s brand-new Chartered Manager Degree Level Apprenticeship, developed following a funding award of £150,000. The programme is designed for experience professionals looking to take the next step in their careers and will be delivered entirely online.

This year’s keynote speaker was former Southampton Football Club player Nicky Banger, now CEO of the Knights Foundation Trust – a non-profit charity providing support for disabled children and their families. He led a powerful discussion on 'Disability to Empowerment' in the workplace, sharing his leadership experience, including building strong business relationships and developing national partnerships.

Following interactive plenary and Q&A sessions, the Solent Engage Awards – celebrating the city’s students, businesses and communities - were presented by Professor Cathy Barnes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Academic Strategy and Planning.

The Solent Engage Award for Apprenticeship Employer of the Year was presented to Specsavers Airways Optical for Specsavers, who were recognised for their exceptional commitment to developing their workforce through apprenticeships, in collaboration with Solent University.

They were recognised for their proactive approach, dedication to professional development and leadership, cross-departmental collaboration, and opportunities for international exposure, significantly boosting apprentices' confidence and skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Apprentice of the year sent to Gemma Channel who, despite personal challenges, successfully completed a foundation degree in Health and Social Care. She was recognised for consistently stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing every opportunity to learn new skills and apply them into her workplace.

Speaking after the conference, Jo McBrearty said, “Events like this are crucial to the success of apprenticeships. They give employers a real chance to get involved, explore opportunities, and see firsthand how apprenticeships can work for them."