Symposium rationale

For several decades, skills development has languished as ‘the Cinderella of the development community’. But, with increasing pressure on secondary systems, global youth unemployment rates at unprecedented levels, and youth marginalisation linked to social unrest, the development spot light is turning on skills. The SDGs bring renewed commitments to lifelong learning, and decent work for all. DFID has tendered three new programmes of support to skills sectors. Development Partners ask how we can Make Skills Markets Work for the Poor. Cinderella is being invited to 2015’s development ball.

This symposium builds on UKFIET’s history of keeping skills on the development agenda. It will take up debates about how skills development contributes to inclusive economic growth, and sustainable, decent work. Through three presentations and structured discussion, the symposium will consider how what we already know about strengthening skills market systems might best inform support to development programmes.

Chair: Andy Brock andy.brock@camb-ed.com

Symposium papers

Paper Authors

Paper 1 – Sector Skills Councils: Can they enhance employer engagement in skills development systems?

Paper 2 – The role of theories of change in bringing about beneficial and sustainable change in the labour market

Paper 3 – Skills and Capacity: What does learning need to look like today to prepare the workforce of 2030?

Robin Todd, Cambridge Education robin.todd@camb-ed.com

Michael Woodgate, Independent Consultant

Ron Tuck, Cambridge Education ron.tuck@camb-ed.com

Rosie Lugg, Cambridge Education rosie.lugg@camb-ed.com

Muriel Dunbar, Cambridge Education muriel.dunbar@camb-ed.com

Can stronger skills markets contribute to sustainable and decent work for all?