The Emerging Futures workshop brought together a varied audience of academics, practitioners and policymakers to explore the opportunities and challenges facing young people in a rapidly changing world.

The day’s sessions generated ideas and gave valuable insights into the shifting dynamics of the job market, emphasising the importance of adaptability and continuous learning for the next generation.

Through a mix of lightning talks, panel discussions and breakout sessions, the event inspired lively discussions on the key trends shaping the future of work and future pathways for young people.

The workshop focused on three key areas relevant to youth: talent and human capital; diversity and inclusion; and careers as the fundamental building blocks for an emerging future.

The sessions covered themes such as:

• Skills gap
• Talent
• Education
• Employability
• Diversity
• Social mobility

Session 1 – Youth, Talent, and Social Mobility

• Professor Matt Dickson, Institute for Policy Research
• Dr Elena Liquete, Senior Consultant CarringtonCrisp

Session 2 – DEI and the Future Workforce

• Dr Luke Fletcher, University of Bath
• Dr Pardeep Attri, University of Bath

Session 3 – Navigating Future Pathways

• Dr Stefanie Gustafsson, University of Bath
• Dr Jelena Lagger Consultant, Expert CAFRAD & Co-Chair IASIA Working Group on Public Sector HRM
• Benjamin Smith, Head of Employability, School of Management, University of Bath
  

Panel Discussion – Empowering Youth in a Changing World of Work

Panellists

• Ruth Keily, Chief Executive, Mentoring Plus
  
• Jonny Gifford, Senior Adviser and Interim Head of Research CIPD
  
• Lisa Forrest, Managing Director, AMS
  
• William Priest, Former Director in the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the Geospatial Commission UK
  
• Emeritus Professor John Davies, University of Bath
  

Read our blog post series from the workshop organisers, expanding on the day’s topics:

• Emerging Futures: Navigating future pathways
• Emerging Futures: Youth, talent and social mobility
• Emerging Futures: Equality, diversity and inclusion practices for youth