The founder of The Big Issue, the chief executive of Gloucestershire Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust and the director of employment and skills for GFirst LEP are the keynote speakers at a free online event hosted by University of Gloucestershire.

The event on February 9 will feature a number of high-profile guest speakers who will share their perspectives on the role of apprenticeships in supporting employers as they emerge from the pandemic.

Lord Bird, who is a passionate advocate of apprenticeships and re-training, founded The Big Issue in 1991. As a crossbench life peer, he co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Future Generations and is working on a private member's bill, the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill, as part of a cross-party campaign.

Deborah Lee, the chief executive of Gloucestershire Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust, is a champion of apprenticeships at all levels. Deborah recently received an honorary award from the University of Gloucestershire.

She will share some of the lessons that have been learned from the trust's strategic approach to its apprenticeships offer, providing opportunities for both new career entrants and continuous professional development.

Peter Carr, director of employment and skills for GFirst LEP, will provide an update on how skills shortages are impacting local businesses, as well as how apprenticeships can be part of the solution.

Dr Polly Pick, the university's director of business engagement and partnerships, said: "We are delighted to once again be hosting an event as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

"We firmly believe that apprenticeships play a key role in improving productivity and driving economic growth. We have witnessed countless examples of this in action since we launched our first higher and degree apprenticeships in 2017.

"Our agenda this year includes a number of high-profile speakers and their different perspectives will enable us to consider apprenticeships on both strategic and operational levels.

"We will also be able to suggest how apprenticeship programmes available in the county might help local employers to address particular skills challenges they face."

Now in its 15th year, National Apprenticeships Week is a celebration of apprenticeships, showcasing their positive impact on communities, local businesses and regional economies.

Register for the event here National Apprenticeship Week Employer Event Tickets, Wed 9 Feb 2022 at 14:00 | Eventbrite