Early Careers
and Skills
Equipping the
Workforce for
What’s Next
Online
Online | Tuesday 14 July 2026
12.00 – 13.00 BST
Event
The landscape for early careers is changing fast. Changes to national skills strategies, government education policies and funding, increasing labour market regulation, economic uncertainty, tight job markets and changing expectations of the workforce are all factors influencing the availability and design of entry-level roles. Also looming large is the threat of AI displacing entry-level jobs that have historically provided the gateway to a longer-term career. In light of these shifts, how should employers rethink the design of early careers to ensure long-term access to critical skills and talent?
This online event and associated research will take an evidence-based review of employers’ approaches to early careers, how those strategies are evolving and how system reforms, organisational pressures and technological developments are shaping decisions.
Learning Objectives
- Set out how the context for early careers and expectations of different players in the early careers system are changing.
- Provide an evidence-based framework to critically assess current approaches and identify opportunities to improve business impact of early career approaches.
- Provide strategic insight for senior HR leaders on opportunities for using early career hiring to strengthen workforce sustainability, skills and diversity.
- Use the insights gained to develop practical approaches to redesigning early careers for your organisation.
Who is this event for?
Heads of Talent and similar senior HR practitioners who are responsible for early careers, workforce planning and learning for their organisation.
To register for this event please ensure you are logged in. If you are not a member and interested in attending, please contact us below.
If you would like to amend or cancel your booking please contact events@crforum.co.uk.
To attend the in-person version of this event, see information here.
Speaker
Nicki Hay MBE
Director of Apprenticeship Strategy and Policy, BPP
Nicki Hay MBE is a highly respected leader in the UK skills, apprenticeships, further and higher education sector, with more than 30 years of experience shaping national workforce development. She serves as Chair of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), Trustee of WorldSkills UK, and a Board Member of Skills England, reflecting her influence across the wider skills ecosystem.
As Director of Apprenticeship Strategy & Policy at BPP, the UK’s leading professional education and training provider, Nicki plays a pivotal role in advancing high‑quality professional apprenticeship provision. She champions BPP’s mission to equip UK businesses with the skilled talent they need—supporting both workforce upskilling and the development of new entrants to industry. Her leadership drives BPP’s apprenticeship strategy, product innovation, and client engagement, strengthening the organisation’s position at the forefront of further and professional education.
Nicki is widely recognised for her thought leadership and long‑standing contribution to the apprenticeship landscape. Her commitment to improving learner outcomes and shaping policy earned her a place in the Queen’s 2021 New Year Honours List, where she was awarded an MBE for services to further education and apprenticeships.
Working closely with employers, training providers, sector bodies, and policymakers, Nicki continues to play a central role in shaping the future of the UK’s education and skills system—promoting excellence, opportunity, and long‑term sustainability across the sector.
Gillian Pillans
Research Director, Corporate Research Forum
Gillian has worked as a senior HR practitioner and OD specialist for several organisations including Swiss Re, Vodafone and BAA. Prior to her HR career, she was a management consultant with Deloitte Consulting and is also a qualified solicitor. Gillian has written various CRF reports on subjects including HR strategy, organisation design and development, leadership development, coaching and diversity.
