ATC 2025: Shaping the Future of Skills, Training, and Employment
This year's conference was a landmark gathering, focusing on the evolving landscape of skills and the critical role they play in driving economic growth and societal progress.
12 March 2025
It was great to be the headline partner of ATC 2025, a pivotal event, bringing together senior leaders, colleges, training providers, employers, MCA’s, and policymakers to discuss the future of skills, training, and employment.
In 2024, City & Guilds entered into a three-year sponsorship agreement for the ATC conference. This long-term commitment underscores our dedication to supporting skills, employers, and providers – with a particular focus on elevating the “employer voice” within the conference. As the global skills partner, we are devoted to creating opportunities for learners and employees, making us especially proud to be the headline partner for ATC 2025.
Highlights from ATC 2025
With our CEO Kirstie Donelly MBE co-chairing the event with Shane Mann, we experienced a fantastic couple of days at the Liverpool AAC, which proved to be an excellent venue with perfect weather. The conference welcomed thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to the main auditorium, including a keynote address from Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills.
The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the changing skills landscape, funding, AI, generational changes, and the future opportunities and challenges for skills development. The thematic workshops were particularly well-received, offering deep dives into critical issues and solutions for skills, apprenticeships, and training.
The conference concluded with the Apprenticeship & Training Awards Gala dinner, celebrating the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations in the sector. Congratulations to all the winners who have made a significant impact on skills and training.
Launch of "Skills: The New Global Currency?"
We were also thrilled to be able to announce the launch of "Skills: The New Global Currency?" – a new report from hundoLAB, with City & Guilds as the Lead Expert Partner. This report, the first in a series, provides insights and recommendations from a community of Future Skills Experts across industry, education, and government, exploring the global skills economy and the future workforce.
You can download the report here
Employer Summit: Recognising the Role of Employers
Building on last year’s employer engagement, we launched the new Employer Summit at ATC 2025. This summit recognised the crucial role employers play in upskilling their workforces and contributing to industry success. It was inspiring to hear from Google how leadership is valued as an essential skill across all roles and learn from leading author and global speaker Chloe Combi about harnessing opportunities that come from multigenerational workforces. We were delighted to see over 60 organisations participate, highlighting opportunities to enhance skills and training.
With over 145 years of industry and employer partnership experience, City & Guilds remains committed to quality and results, driving growth through increased productivity, engaged workforces, and effective succession and talent planning.
ATC 2025 has truly set the stage for a future where skills are the new global currency, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.