Creating the workforce legacy

Overview

The conference was well-represented by a wide range of delegates and the challenges facing the development of the sporting workforce in Sussex were well highlighted.

The Sport and Leisure conference addressed the issue of the sporting workforce in Sussex and in particular what kind of legacy may be created by the 2012 games.  In pursuing this aim the conference examined the opportunities that FE and HE can play in meeting the needs of the future Sussex sporting workforce.

Workforce issues

Our opening address was given by John Stride from Inspire Leisure who set out the needs of employers and the desire by employers to engage with FE and HE to develop training and educational opportunities so long as these organisation recognised the challenges and constraints that employers and employees have on their time.

Emma Forward from the Sussex County Sports Partnership then updated delegates on the County Workforce Plan.  The workforce plan will be an important planning document and the need to keep the plan updated and shared by all stakeholders in Sussex will be important.

David Williams and Alan Sanders from Sussex Downs College and Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club respectively then gave an enjoyable presentation on the progress of the CoVE and the development of the ESF funded projects across the region.

The final session before lunch was given by Jonathan Wilson from the FA who outlined the impressive work the FA have done in developing on-line learning resources that can be accessed by a range of students.

Student issues

After lunch the conference looked at particular issues that will affect students wishing to develop a career in sport.  Joan Whibley and Amy Roots discussed the importance of volunteering not just from the important role volunteers play in the sporting workforce but also as a means of providing students with valuable experience that could help them get a job.

This was followed by two students from Chichester College, Ephie Rowe and Mark Albrecht who outlined the importance of gaining additional qualifications and in particular professional qualifications whilst studying for a degree.

Conclusion

The conference concluded with a presentation by James Emmett from SkillsActive and Alex Twitchen outlining the year ahead.

Links to the materials from the event are at the bottom of the screen.