Key speakers set for Skills Symposium

A prominent line-up of guest speakers is confirmed for City of Glasgow College’s Rethinking Skills Symposium which takes place on 7 February.

Leading experts from across the education sector include Russell Gunson of IPPR Scotland, Professor Ewart Keep from Oxford University, and Olly Newton of The Edge Foundation, who said: 

“With skills shortages, Brexit looming, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution changing the economy, there has never been a more important time to re-think skills. I’m really looking forward to joining colleagues from across the UK to discuss how we can meet these challenges and the key role that excellent colleges like City of Glasgow can play.”

Professor Ewart Keep, who is Chair of Education, Training and Skills at Oxford University, added:

“Three challenges for colleges in the 21st century include paying for skills, particularly for adults; improving the capacity of companies to train staff; and the impact that digital innovation will have on jobs and skills. These are big issues and unless we address them we will face major problems with skills and employment. This symposium is an excellent opportunity to bring together leading practitioners and experts to chart a way forward for colleges.”

Chaired by Jim Gallacher, Emeritus Professor of Lifelong Learning at Glasgow Caledonian University, and a member of the Board of Management at City of Glasgow College, the symposium will explore the impact of the unprecedented pace of change on learning, skills and the future employability of students.

Russell Gunson, Director of IPPR Scotland, said:

“I’m delighted to be speaking at City of Glasgow College’s Skills Symposium. There are big changes happening in Scotland’s economy and society. Automation and technological change, our ageing population, Brexit, and changes to our relationship with the rest of the world mean our education and skills system is incredibly important now, but will be even more important in the future.”

The day-long event takes place at the college’s City campus on Glasgow’s Cathedral Street. Please follow this link for a full list of speakers and the event programme.