The University of Wolverhampton’s Business School welcomed leading employers, education partners, and regional stakeholders for a Festive Breakfast on local skills, sparking an open and collaborative discussion on the future of workforce development across the West Midlands.

The event brought together voices from across sectors to explore practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing businesses and public organisations. Key themes emerging from the conversation included:

  • Policy uncertainty is impacting everyone: from SMEs to large public-sector employers, highlighting the urgent need for clearer guidance and greater stability.
  • Workforce pressures continue to risewith organisations balancing budget constraints, retirement gaps, and succession planning challenges.
  • Flexible, modular skills provision is in high demand: particularly among SMEs seeking practical, accessible pathways rather than lengthy, rigid qualifications.
  • T-Level placements and apprenticeship requirements are creating capacity pressures, prompting calls for smarter, region-wide solutions to ensure sustainability.

Despite these challenges, the event underscored a shared commitment to collaboration and innovation.

Attendees agreed that the region’s potential is incredible when efforts are aligned and pledged to build on the insights gained as we move into 2026. Liaqat, Sadaf Alvi-Liaqat, Executive Education Project Manager said: “This event was about listening, learning, and working together.

“The energy in the room showed that while the skills landscape is complex, our collective determination to find solutions is stronger than ever.” Parveen Kumar, Apprenticeships & Workforce Development Manager, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust added: “The festive breakfast roundtable on skills served as an informal, dynamic platform for employers across the region to connect, share insights, and collaborate.

“It provided an opportunity to explore current education and skills policies, identify gaps and challenges, and foster partnerships aimed at developing sustainable workforce solutions.” The University of Wolverhampton will continue to work closely with partners to develop responsive, employer-led skills initiatives that meet the evolving needs of the region.