People and Skills Pledge Event

We were proud to host the People and Skills Pledge Event at the University Centre Grimsby, bringing together partners, employers and local organisations committed to strengthening workforce development across the region. The session was opened by Sharon Stead, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of collaborative action in shaping future skills.

The event provided an opportunity for partners to share their experiences of the People & Skills Pledge and the positive impact it is having within their organisations and communities.

One of the day’s key contributions came from Amanda Sparkes (Friendship at Home), who presented their pledge, vision and the significant community outcomes it supports. Her insight demonstrated how the pledge is helping local organisations enhance support for older people and strengthen social wellbeing across North East Lincolnshire.

We also heard a powerful and personal reflection from Sophia Webb, a young Rehabilitation Support Worker, who spoke about securing employment through the pledge. Sophia shared how the opportunity has supported her early career development and given her confidence to grow within the health and care sector.

Further contributions included Bethany Simmonds (Skills for Care), who discussed the role of connecting health and social care employers with education, recruitment and training providers. She emphasised how aligned support systems can create clearer pathways into meaningful employment and build a more resilient local workforce.

The event also explored the GLLEP Local Skills Improvement Plan, offering insight into regional skills priorities and the future direction of workforce strategy.
To conclude the programme, Kevin Goodger FIH, MBA, CMgr FCMI from the TEC Partnership outlined the opportunities presented by Foundation Apprenticeships in Health and Social Care, reinforcing the vital role employers play in shaping industry-ready talent and supporting progression.

The People & Skills Pledge event highlighted the power of collaboration, shared responsibility and long-term commitment to developing local skills. By working together, partners across the region are helping to create stronger career pathways, better training opportunities and a more confident, supported workforce.

A highly valuable event that reflects our collective dedication to strengthening skills, supporting employers and opening doors for future talent across our community.