Closing skills gap the focus of Chamber report launch

The head of employment and skills at West Midlands Combined Authority will discuss how to bridge the region 's skills gap at a forthcoming event hosted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Clare Hatton is addressing the Chamber 's Quarterly Business Report launch, with a presentation on steps the WMCA is taking to up employment opportunities as the region emerges from the pandemic,

The free-to-attend webinar takes place on 23 September.

Clare (pictured) has extensive experience leading change in skills delivery and organisational efficiency.

She leads on the delivery of the WMCA 's skills portfolio including the devolved £130m Adult Education Budget and a range of pilot initiatives including digital retraining, and employment support pilots.

Previously, Clare worked for the Learning and Skills Council in senior policy roles and for PwC in their public sector practice supporting a range of national and government clients.

Before joining WMCA, Clare spent four years working in further education in the senior leadership team at City College Coventry.

Raj Kandola, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “I 'm delighted that Clare is joining us for our upcoming Quarterly Business Report launch event.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, it 's now more important than ever that we formulate new employment pathways to help rebuild our economy and the West Midlands Combined Authority will play a central part in setting the overarching strategy for the region.

“It will also be great for businesses to hear about the WMCA 's upcoming plans and how they can help shape the recovery moving forward. ”

The webinar will also offer an economic snapshot of the Greater Birmingham economy based on the Q3 survey results.

Click here to book a place.

The survey is now open - and entrants will be entered into a competition to win an overnight stay at the Radisson Blue in Birmingham - click here.