Leading employers from across Richmond upon Thames have come together to explore how new national apprenticeship reforms are changing the way businesses invest in skills – and how more young people could access training and employment opportunities locally.

Hosted by Hawk Training in Twickenham, the breakfast meeting was the first major employer roundtable since the launch of Richmond's Growth Plan earlier this year.

Councillor Phil Giesler, Richmond Council's lead member for business and growth, said: "Richmond has one of the strongest local economies in London, but we cannot take that success for granted.

"If we want our borough to continue to thrive, we must ensure local people can access the skills, training and opportunities needed to succeed in a changing economy.

"Our Growth Plan sets out a clear ambition to create inclusive growth that benefits everyone.

"Bringing together major employers, education providers and public sector partners is an important step towards achieving that ambition and ensuring more young people can build successful careers here in Richmond."

The government's new Growth and Skills Levy – replacing the Apprenticeship Levy – was central to discussions, with employers considering how the reforms could be used to open clearer routes into work, particularly for young people and those facing barriers to employment.

Local initiatives including Richmond Work Match and Connect to Work were also highlighted as helping employers attract talent, tackle skills shortages and support residents into sustainable jobs.

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Last week's event comes as employers across London continue to report skills shortages, while many young people struggle to access good-quality employment opportunities.

Participants identified shared priorities including stronger links between employers and young people, expanded supported internships, improved opportunities for neurodivergent residents and better networks for young professionals.

They also discussed the potential role of artificial intelligence in widening access to employment.

The roundtable brought together employers and partners from across the borough, including Kew Gardens, the National Physical Laboratory, St Mary's University, the RFU, the Department for Work and Pensions, Hawk Training and Richmond Council.

Crawford Knott, Managing Director of Hawk Training, said: "It was great to host Richmond's first major employers' meeting following the launch of the Growth Plan.

"Apprenticeships and the new Growth and Skills Levy present a real opportunity for employers to rethink how they invest in skills and workforce development.

"By bringing employers together to share experiences and practical solutions, we can help more people gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed, while ensuring businesses can access the talent they require to grow."

The event marked the start of a wider programme of employer engagement through Richmond's Growth Plan, with partners agreeing to continue working together to improve access to skills, training and employment opportunities for residents.

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