In Conversation with... Andrew Pakes MP

"Every single one of the government’s big ambitions – from building 1.5 million new homes to achieving net zero – has one thing in common: a skills shortage in this country."

In this episode, Andrew Pakes MP explores the critical role of skills in driving national priorities – from building 1.5 million new homes and achieving net zero, to rebooting manufacturing and retrofitting the economy. He explains how devolution and metro mayors can match local talent to local economic needs, turbocharging growth and providing meaningful opportunities for young people.

Join Patrick Craven, Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships at City & Guilds, for an insightful conversation with Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships, recorded live at the Labour Party Conference 2025.

Listeners will gain insight into:

How local leadership and industrial strategy can close skills gaps and attract investment.
The evolution from blue-collar to green-collar roles, preparing the workforce for future technologies in construction, engineering, and green energy.
Innovative approaches to apprenticeships, including initiatives supporting young people, returners, and those in prison, offering pathways to employment and social mobility.
The importance of tailoring skills investment to local economies to deliver real impact and opportunity.
How aligning national ambitions with local delivery can create a virtuous cycle of growth, opportunity, and prosperity.

Whether you’re an employer, provider, policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of skills and work, this episode offers a compelling look at how apprenticeships, industrial strategy, and devolution can shape a stronger, more inclusive economy.

For more episodes from the series, click here.