Burnley College brought together educators, employers and civic leaders to explore how Burnley can create opportunity through skills development, ambition and collaboration.
80 attendees gathered to hear from a line-up of influential leaders, including Leon Calverley, Chair of the Burnley Neighbourhood Board (Burnley Towns Board), Mo Isap, Chair of the Lancashire Business Board and Founder of IN4 Group, and Helen Gbormittah, CBI North West Regional Director.
Together, they provided transformative insights that emphasised the importance of co-creation, and alignment between employers and training providers, to ensure that education remains relevant, ambitious and rooted in opportunity for all.
The event was hosted by Neil Burrows, Director of Skills, Innovation and Employer Engagement at Burnley College, who set the tone for the evening by reinforcing the importance of partnership and responsibility in shaping Burnley’s future.
Interim Principal, Kate Wallace, also shared her own inspiring journey through education. Having left school at 16 due to being told there were limited opportunities for her to succeed, she went on to build a successful career in the hairdressing industry – working with leading brands including Toni & Guy and Vidal Sassoon – before moving into teaching.
This transition sparked her passion for the power of education and commitment to igniting ambition in young people:
“Education really did transform my life, but only after others had already underestimated what I could achieve.
“That is why Burnley College exists – to open doors, raise aspirations and help every learner realise their potential.”
Leon Calverley set out Burnley’s vision for the next decade, underscoring the vital role that education will play in promoting confidence, aspiration and the need for future-ready skills in the local area.
He reflected:
“You cannot grow a strong local economy without strong educational pathways as a starting point.
“Skills are the golden thread that run through everything from business growth to talent retention.”
Mo Isap also delivered a powerful call to action, urging colleges and partners across Lancashire to work together for the greater good. By collaborating rather than competing, he highlighted, the region can attract greater investment, unlock new funding opportunities and position itself as a force to rival the UK’s major city regions.
Helen Gbormittah added:
“Even the strongest economic strategy will not succeed without a clear and sustainable talent pipeline.
“The best employers understand that skills are critical to productivity, resilience and growth.”
The keynote speakers were supported by a dynamic panel discussion with contributions from Lukman Patel, Chief Executive at Burnley Council, Sarah Gaskell, Director at Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, and Chartered Management Degree Apprentice Megan Pritchard.
The event concluded on an optimistic note, with remarks from Oliver Ryan, MP for Burnley, who shared his admiration for the students at Burnley College and his ambition to ensure that Burnley is seen and heard on the national stage.
He noted:
“I am constantly inspired by the students at Burnley College.
“Their ambition, talent and determination gives me confidence in Burnley’s future, and I am committed to making sure Burnley is seen as a force to be reckoned with.”
Attendees ended the evening by networking and voicing their shared commitment to ensuring Lancashire achieves its potential as a leader in the skills revolution.
Burnley College remains steadfast in its mission to drive innovation, upskill the workforce and build enduring partnerships that propel our community forward.
If your small business would like to be part of the next Thrive Summit, please contact Neil Burrows via email at [email protected].
