The Skills Connect Network brings together organisations from across the West of England to share insight, reduce duplication, and improve how residents experience careers, skills, and employment support.
Throughout the year, the network explores different themes shaping the system. This session focuses on young people aged 25 and under, with a spotlight on the Youth Guarantee and the future of youth-focused services across the region.
Join us to understand what has been delivered to date, what’s planned for Year 2, and how you can play a more active role in shaping support for young people.
This isn’t just an update, it’s a chance to connect with peers, hear directly from delivery organisations, and be part of an active regional network.
What You’ll Gain from the Session:
By attending, you will:
- Learn where the Youth Guarantee is now
An overview of what has been delivered across the West of England so far and what is planned for Year 2.
- Hear about upcoming opportunities
An overview of Year 2 Youth Guarantee Trailblazer delivery and ways organisations can get involved, including supporting the 2026 Youth Voice Census through Youth Employment UK
- Explore future ambitions for youth-focused services
A conversation about how organisations can work more closely with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to improve services for young people.
- Understand current challenges from an industry perspective
Insight from The King’s Trust and Little Lost Robot on what young people and employers are experiencing on the ground.
Who Should Attend?
This session is for professionals and organisations working with young people aged 25 and under, including:
- Careers, skills, employment and IAG providers
- VCSE organisations supporting young people into education, training or work
- Anyone involved in designing, delivering or commissioning youth-focused services across the West of England
You don’t need to be an existing member of the network, new organisations and voices are welcome.
Why be part of the Skills Connect Network?
Being part of the Skills Connect Network is about more than attending a single event. Membership gives you:
- A clearer line of sight to regional priorities, funding, and new activity
- Opportunities to share insight, challenges and learning with peers
- Stronger connections with the MCA and delivery partners
- A way to work more joined-up across the system, rather than in isolation
This youth-focused session is one of a wider programme of themed network events running throughout the year.
About the network
The Skills Connect Network is a free network for professionals providing careers and skills-related information, advice and guidance across the West of England. It is coordinated by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
📩 Questions?
Email: skillsconnectnetwork@westofengland-ca.gov.uk
👉 Sign up now
Register for the event, join the Skills Connect Network, and stay connected to future sessions, funding updates and opportunities to collaborate.
Organizer: West of England Combined Authority
Address: Keynsham Library & Information Service
Contact Details: skillsconnect@westofengland-ca.gov.uk
Bath and North East Somerset
Date:18 Feb 2026
Time:1:30 pm
