The Surrey Skills Conference brought together 200 employers, education, academics and government delegates to discuss how skills can power the county’s future economy. Watch the highlights in our video.
The Surrey Skills Conference was organised by Surrey County Council, in partnership with Surrey Chambers of Commerce.
Taking place at Woking Hilton, the event focused on what more can be done to unlock the talent of Surrey’s workforce.
Robert West, Head of Employment and Skills at the Confederation of British Industry was one of two keynote speakers to speak at the event. Robert was joined by Holly Hobbs, a Gen-Z influencer and co-founder of urfuture.
Key topics included making the most of the transfer of skills powers locally from government. And addressing challenges, such as driving business growth by equipping people who are out of work with the skills that employers need to thrive.
A range of Surrey employers took part. You can still contribute your ideas to the event, by putting forward ideas to the Local Skills Improvement Plan.
Employment support for Surrey residents
The Surrey Skills Conference 2025 launched STEP Surrey. This is a new gateway for residents to find work, learn new skills and access employment support in a simple and accessible way.
Delegates also learned more about upcoming government-funded programmes available in Surrey.
This includes Connect to Work, a five-year programme to support 2,500 people with complex barriers to work into local employment. And WorkWell, which provides coaching to those with health challenges to get into, return to and stay in work.
Both can support Surrey businesses with workforce challenges and skills gaps.
Want to know more? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.
