Sussex Skills 26 - Launching the Sussex & Brighton LSIP Report 2026-2029 and shaping the future workforce

Wednesday 13th October 2026
Sun Harvest Room, The Amex Stadium, Falmer
Free to attend | Buffet lunch included

Join employers, education providers, training organisations, local authorities, policymakers and industry leaders from across Sussex for Sussex Skills 26, our flagship annual conference dedicated to shaping the future of skills, employment and workforce development across the region.

Building on the success of Sussex Skills 25, this year's event will bring together key stakeholders from across the skills ecosystem to explore the opportunities and challenges facing Sussex's workforce and economy.

A key highlight of the day will be the launch of the new Sussex and Brighton Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Report, providing fresh insight into employer priorities, workforce needs and the skills required to support future economic growth across the region.

For employers, Sussex Skills 26 is more than a conference. It is an opportunity to help shape how skills investment, education and training provision respond to real business need over the next three years. Be among the first to hear the findings of the new Sussex and Brighton LSIP, understand emerging workforce trends and contribute to conversations that will influence future skills priorities, collaboration opportunities and practical action across Sussex.

This year’s event will place particular focus on strengthening access to opportunity and supporting more people to enter, remain and progress within employment. A dedicated session will explore the growing challenge of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), what this means for Sussex’s future workforce and economy, and how employers, providers and partners can work together through delivery of the Sussex and Brighton LSIP to strengthen pathways into work, progression opportunities and long-term employment outcomes.

Whether your focus is recruitment, retention, productivity, digital adoption, sustainability or developing future talent pipelines, this event offers a chance to connect with decision-makers and ensure the employer voice continues to drive change.

The conference will feature a range of keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions designed to encourage collaboration, share best practice and identify practical solutions to current and emerging skills challenges.

We're delighted to be bringing together a range of influential voices from across business, education, local government and the wider skills sector.

Our full speaker line-up will be announced shortly, featuring leaders and experts who are helping to shape the future of skills, employment and economic growth across Sussex.

Topics will include:

· The findings and priorities of the new Sussex and Brighton LSIP Report

· Supporting young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET)

· Current and future workforce needs across Sussex

· Strengthening collaboration between employers, education and training providers

· Skills development to support economic growth and productivity

· Addressing barriers to employment and progression

· Developing inclusive pathways into work and learning

Sussex Skills 26 offers a unique opportunity to hear from influential speakers, engage in meaningful discussion, share insights and build valuable connections with organisations and individuals committed to developing the skills landscape across Sussex.

Whether you are an employer looking to address workforce challenges, an education or training provider seeking to understand employer needs, or a stakeholder involved in shaping skills policy and provision, this event will provide valuable insight and opportunities for collaboration.

Agenda and timings will be confirmed shortly.

Book your place today and join the conversation shaping the future of skills in Sussex.

Who should attend?

· Employers and business leaders

· Further and Higher Education providers

· Independent training providers

· Local authorities and public sector organisations

· Careers and employability professionals

· Skills and workforce development specialists

· Policymakers and strategic partners

· Anyone with an interest in developing skills, talent and opportunity across Sussex

Please note: This event will be filmed and photographed for marketing and social media purposes. If you do not wish to appear in any footage or images, please make yourself known to a member of the team on the day.