Skilfully Speaking

Ensuring people have the right skills to enter the nuclear industry is an important piece of work, particularly given the significance of the sector to the South West.

Well done to our colleagues at City College Plymouth, who have recently become part of the National College for Nuclear (NCfN) network. This means, as an education provider, they will provide courses which will help people acquire the nuclear-related skills needed to support growth in this evolving sector.

Government has also launched a campaign called Destination Nuclear Destination Nuclear working with partners to fill critical skills gaps. You can find out more about the campaign here: https://www.destinationnuclear.com/

Did you catch Skills Minister Robert Halfon MP on the latest edition of Skilfully Speaking? He tells podcast host Jackie Grubb that he wants the UK to have “the most prestigious skills system in the world.”

What he calls “the incredible FE sector” has a vital role to play, and it continues to go from strength to strength.

Robert’s own story is amazing, and he faced real adversity early in his life. It’s hugely uplifting to listen to his views on how we address the skills issues facing us as regionally and nationally. As ever, Skilfully Speaking brings you invaluable insight and advice that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Check out the episode below.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Tke0W1
Apple: https://bit.ly/3TBs4vF

The care sector has been hit particularly hard by skills shortages, and Apprenticeships continue to provide a way into the profession.

We came across the heartwarming story of Rose, who took up a care Apprenticeship following her grandparents’ dementia diagnosis. Learning new skills and finding your vocation can change your life - check out our Skilfully Speaking podcasts to hear some really inspirational stories.

And you can read Rose’s story here: https://bit.ly/49Yf09w

Skills come in many forms, and in a rapidly-changing workplace we are all constantly learning and adapting.

So, the team at Skilfully Speaking wants to know: What has been the most important skill that you've gained?

It could be formal training, it might be a valuable nugget passed on by a work colleague, or it could simply be a skill you’ve acquired through life experience.

Whatever it is, let us know the most important skill you’ve learned in the comments below 💬 - you never know who else it might help!

Engineering is a career which has changed immeasurably in recent times, driven by technology and an increasingly global marketplace.

Demand for engineers is predicted to grow in the coming years, with numbers of people working in the sector escalating.

Engineering skills are more in demand than ever in this key growth area for the economy. As a recent report in The Manufacturer says, companies are adapting to be flexible, and continued growth means plenty of career opportunities within engineering and infrastructure.

You can read the full article here: Tackling the skills gap in the rapidly changing engineering industry (themanufacturer.com), which highlights the business benefits of investing in upskilling.

If you’re interested in engineering as a career, our Skilfully Speaking partners Babcock International Group are a world leader in engineering services in the marine, nuclear and aviation sectors. Find out more about them and their career opportunities below.

https://www.babcockinternational.com/careers/

Are you ready for a brand new podcast??!!

Then look no further, as today is the day our shiny new episode featuring Skills Minister Robert Halfon MP drops.

It’s a brilliant listen. Robert talks about the importance of staying healthy (physically and mentally) for all our wellbeing, and how doing so enables us all to do what we love doing and what we are best at.

He talks frankly about his own strengths and weaknesses, and admits he was “terrible” at exams, but how with the support of friends and family, staying healthy and displaying resilience, we are all able to cope with the pressures life brings and succeed.

Don’t forget to spread the word and share the Skilfully Speaking message! You can find the podcasts below 👇

Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Tke0W1
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3TBs4vF



Cllr Rebecca Smith Gary Streeter MP

Bringing you the Skilfully Speaking podcasts would not be possible without the support of our partners, so we just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped our podcast become the success it has.

In particular, we would like to express our thanks to Babcock International Group, a long-time collaborator and supporter of efforts to raise the profile of the importance of the skills agenda.

Babcock is an international defence, aerospace and security company - you can find out more about them here: www.babcockinternational.com/who-we-are/

And in the meantime, thanks to them and everyone else who has got right behind Skilfully Speaking!

Did you catch the Skilfully Speaking team being interviewed on BBC Devon? If not, you can listen back here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0hbfsh7

We had the chance to talk about precisely what the skills gap is - what are the jobs that need to be filled, and how do we develop the skills so that we have the right people to fill those jobs.

It was great to be able to spread the word about some of the amazing work being done to address the skills gap, and to highlight some of the sectors where people have the opportunity to forge a career.

Thanks to the mid-morning show’s Caroline Densley for having us on. Do take a listen and tell us what you think (we are on at 1:13 in)!

Many businesses still struggle to find employees with good digital skills. A recent survey found that only 13 per cent of companies find it easy to hire staff with the right digital skills.

It’s an issue that’s going to become increasingly important, particularly as digital technology could add £520billion to the UK economy by 2030, an important figure in the light of the country’s ambition to become a tech superpower.

You can read more about the research here: buff.ly/49vJxdW

The skills agenda is at the heart of any successful economy, giving people and businesses the skills they need to flourish and prosper.

In an increasingly global economy, a properly skilled workforce will boost innovation and productivity.

Businesses and education providers working closely together can benefit not just Plymouth, but the wider region too.

Our dynamic podcast, Skilfully Speaking, has a wealth of information, advice and hints from people who have been there and done it.

Do you know someone ready to take their career to the next level? Don’t forget to spread the word and share the Skilfully Speaking message! You can find the podcasts here 👇

Spotify: bit.ly/3TSFkwo
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/3RSZ1BR

Did we tell you we’re on BBC Devon today talking all things Skilfully Speaking? Podcast host Jackie Grubb and some enthusiastic students will be chatting to the lovely Caroline Densley about the skills issues the region is facing, and the useful advice and guidance our podcast guests have been able to pass on to inspire others.

Tune in between 10am and 1pm today to hear us! And don’t forget to subscribe here

Spotify: bit.ly/3TSFkwo
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/3RSZ1BR

to hear our Skilfully Speaking guests for yourself.

This week is National Careers Week, a seven-day celebration of careers guidance and access to free resources.

We’re right behind this annual initiative, which focuses on careers help and guidance at a key time in the academic year.

Everyone needs a little help now and again, so it’s great, through the Careers Week website, to be able to download all kinds of interesting resources that link education to the world of employment.

Check out the website here, and Happy National Careers Week, everyone! nationalcareersweek.com/

Henry’s bagged a signed copy of Skilfully Speaking guest, Dame Kelly Holmes’ book!

And, he was thrilled!

Henry's dedication truly stands out - not only has he been an avid follower of Dame Kelly, but he has also listened to her inspiring Skilfully Speaking podcast episode not once, but twice, soaking in every word of wisdom and motivation.

For those who haven't had the chance yet, dive into the world of Dame Kelly Holmes by listening to her podcast below. It's an episode filled with insights, inspiration, and the kind of motivation that will have you ready to conquer your challenges.

https://bitly.ws/3eH6z
https://bitly.ws/3dauN

Entrepreneur Ben Towers is one of a kind, so it’s kind of a big deal that we’ve secured him on a future episode of Skilfully Speaking.

He is a trailblazer, working with the Royal Family and Government to encourage entrepreneurialism, as well as running a number of very successful businesses.

At a recent speech at City College Plymouth’s Apprenticeship Awards evening, he revealed what his journey so far had taught him: how helping others is something we can all do through our careers, and how a flexible mindset helps you get around life’s problems.

We know what he will be saying on the podcast will inspire people to embrace new skills and seize opportunities.

Keep your eyes peeled for when it lands so you don’t miss out on Ben’s invaluable hints and advice!



Babcock International Group

New technology, post-Covid working arrangements, growing environmental pressures, even world events, all impact on the way we work and the skills we need.

A recent report by Springboard revealed that 70% of business leaders feel performance is suffering because employees don’t have the right skills.

As new technologies such as AI continue to grow, companies will need to ensure their workforces are properly equipped if they are to thrive in the years ahead. The report adds that businesses will need to be agile in the complex landscape of work, and that a workforce with precisely the right skills will give them a competitive advantage in their marketplace.

You can read more about the State of the Workforce Skills Gap here: https://www.springboard.com/blog/business/skills-gap-trends-2024/

Finding the skills you are most passionate about to help you on your way in life is at the very heart of Skilfully Speaking – oh yes they are!

Plymouth man Jefferson Parlett has a lifelong love of panto, and has landed himself a degree in contemporary pantomime practice!

Well done Jefferson, you are a real trailblazer, as are all the people who appear on Skilfully Speaking. Read how Jefferson has become the first person in the world to complete his course, and how he hopes to carve out a future in pantoland here: https://bit.ly/4bKWHpw

The rapid growth in the number of people doing Apprenticeships in recent years sometimes goes under the radar.

Last year, more than 750,000 people took part in Apprenticeships, meaning each of those individuals will be equipped with the skills that businesses are seeking in their staff.

Recently, Skills Minister Robert Halfon MP, the next new guest on Skilfully Speaking, shared that the number of Apprenticeships for people under 25 were up six per cent, giving businesses that nurture their talent a competitive edge.

The podcast featuring Robert Halfon drops in March - keep across our social channels to ensure you don’t miss it!

Want to add a large dash of creativity and inspiration to your Tuesday?

Then check out the latest episode of Skilfully Speaking, featuring the familiar face of TV and radio’s Anna Williamson.

She’s been through so much - an emotional breakdown, a controlling relationship and severe anxiety. But every single time she’s bounced back.

We love your positivity, Anna. Read a ‘warts and all’ account of the adversity she has faced over the years, and the new life she has helped create for herself, here: https://bit.ly/3uusuKu. The interview was part of Mind’s tenth Time To Talk Day, which encouraged conversations around the issue of mental health.

Friend of the Skilfully Speaking podcast, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, talked candidly about her career in the military when she appeared on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch programme.

We love listening to her; when you hear her talk about her life and her work, she is such an inspiration to us all.

You can watch her TV appearance here: www.channel4.com/programmes/sunday-brunch/on-demand/75052-052.

And if you’ve not listened to her appearance on Skilfully Speaking, then check it out on Spotify and Apple below 👇

bit.ly/3TSFkwo
bit.ly/3RSZ1BR

On Valentine’s Day, we thought it only right to spread the word about how much we love helping people acquire new skills.

Skills are a vital part of life - for finding a job, advancing a career or just becoming a better person!

Our new podcast, Skilfully Speaking, is propelling the region’s skills revolution. A series of eight podcasts brings together an ensemble of well-known people to pass on the skills they have learned in life. It’s all part of us working collaboratively to tackle the threat posed by the South West’s skills shortages.

From hugely successful business people to sports stars and all points in between, Skilfully Speaking is helping underscore a commitment to bridging the skills gap.
There’s something in it for everyone - please subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.

Find Skilfully Speaking on Spotify and Apple below 👇

bit.ly/3TSFkwo
bit.ly/3RSZ1BR