--- title: NI Chamber Future Workforce Summit Event description: The Future Workforce Summit is an event for sharing new ideas and best practices to recruit, retain, and develop world-class people and skills in NI. image: https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hubfs/29103G%20-%20FWS%202026%20-%20Ambition%20Weekly%20-%2001-1.jpg --- [![2026 Logo NI Chamber - Colour](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hubfs/NI%20Chamber%20Logos%202026/2026%20Logo%20NI%20Chamber%20-%20Colour.svg "2026 Logo NI Chamber - Colour")](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/) # Future Workforce Summit 2026 ![29102G - FWS 2026 Sponsors Banner - 01](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hubfs/29102G%20-%20FWS%202026%20Sponsors%20Banner%20-%2001.jpg "29102G - FWS 2026 Sponsors Banner - 01") Generation Alpha is coming of age. Generation Beta is already here. Is Northern Ireland ready? The 2026 Future Workforce Summit will bring together employers, educators and policymakers to explore how the next generation of 16-24 year olds will transform the world of work. From recruitment and retention to skills, career pathways and workplace expectations, the event will address the challenges shaping Northern Ireland’s future talent pipeline and spotlight the practical solutions that can help businesses stay ahead. This summit brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to forge a path towards a more skilled, adaptable, and competitive workforce.   Thursday 15 October | 8:00 - 14:00 | Clandeboye Lodge, Bangor [BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/event/future-workforce-summit-2026/) ## Event Agenda [VIEW FULL AGENDA NOW](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hubfs/29190G%20-%20FWS%20Agenda%202026%20-%2004-1.pdf?hsLang=en) | **8:00 AM** | **Refreshments, Registration and Networking** | | | --- | --- | --- | | **9:00 AM** | **Welcome Address** - Stuart Anderson, Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, NI Chamber | | | **9:10 AM** | **The Minister’s Perspective** - Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Economy Minister, Department for the Economy | | | **9:20 AM** | **The Importance of Green Skills in Shaping our Planet, the Next Generation and our Economy** - Gordon Parkes, Chairman of Green Skills Delivery Group and People & Culture Consultant, NIE Networks | | | **9:40 AM** | **The Shape of Our Workforce: What the Data Tells us About People, Skills and the Next Generation** - Marguerite Shannon, Senior Economist, Ulster University, Economic Policy Centre | | | **10:10 AM** | Creating the Conditions: What the System Needs to Get Right  - Richard Longman, Head of Business School, The Open University - Heather McKee, Deputy Principal, Planning, Performance and Engagement, South Eastern Regional College - Stephen Dallas, CEO, The Bytes Project - Nina Slingsby, Founder, OAHA | | | **10:40 AM** | **Break – Coffee/ Tea** | | | **11:10 AM** | **Don’t just compete for today’s workforce. Grow tomorrow’s** - Richard Kirk, CEO, Workplus | | | **11:30 AM** | Creating the Opportunities: The Employer Perspective on Backing Young Talent - Ellie Williamson, Early Careers Manager, Fieldfisher - Roseanna Daly, Head of Early Careers, The Keystone Group - Aileen McAvoy, Head of Organisation Effectiveness, Danske Bank - Graeme Bennett, General Manager, IPC Mouldings | | | **12:00 PM** | Where Careers Begin: The role of SMEs in building the next workforce - Anthony Impey, CEO, Be The Business | | | **12:20 PM** | **Comfort break** | | | **12:30 PM** | **Creating the Change: Young People on the Pathways into Work** - Faith Finney, Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, GRAHAM Construction - Connell Heaney, Graduate Electrical Engineer, NIE Networks - Charlotte Murphy, Design & Innovation Student, The Open University. - Luke Brown, Business and Marketing Assistant, Workplus - Maya McKnight, Upper 6th Student and YENI Company Programme Participant, Bangor Academy | | | **1:00 PM** | Building a labour market that works for young people - Frances Ruane, IDA Ireland Board member and Non-executive Board Member of the NI Civil Service | | | **1:30 PM** | **Closing Remarks** - NI Chamber | | | **1:35 PM** | **Lunch** | |   [BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/event/future-workforce-summit-2026/) ## Your Host and Speakers ## Event Speakers ![Caoimhe Archibald](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Caoimhe%20Archibald.png?width=400&height=400&name=Caoimhe%20Archibald.png "Caoimhe Archibald") ### Keynote Presentation #### Dr Caoimhe Archibald ##### Economy Minister, Department for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has served as Economy Minister since February 2025, having previously held the role of Finance Minister. Elected as MLA for East Derry in 2016, she has chaired the Assembly’s Economy and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committees. Before entering politics, Caoimhe spent almost a decade working in scientific research, including EU-funded projects, and holds qualifications from Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. ![Frances Ruane](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Frances%20Ruane.png?width=400&height=400&name=Frances%20Ruane.png "Frances Ruane") ![Anthony Impey](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Anthony%20Impey.png?width=400&height=400&name=Anthony%20Impey.png "Anthony Impey") ### Where Careers Begin: The role of SMEs in building the next workforce #### Anthony Impey ##### CEO - Be The Business Anthony Impey MBE FCGI is Chief Executive of Be the Business, the UK charity dedicated to improving productivity by helping SMEs strengthen leadership, enhance performance and adopt new technologies, including AI. A successful entrepreneur who built and scaled multiple businesses, Anthony now works with thousands of SMEs across the UK. He also serves on the Board of Skills England and was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to small businesses. ![Marguerite Shannon](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marguerite%20Shannon.png?width=400&height=400&name=Marguerite%20Shannon.png "Marguerite Shannon") ![Gordon Parkes](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gordon%20Parkes.png?width=400&height=400&name=Gordon%20Parkes.png "Gordon Parkes") ### The importance of green skills in shaping our planet, the next generation and our economy #### Gordon Parkes ##### People & Culture Advisor, NIE Networks Gordon Parkes is Chair of the Green Skills Delivery Group and People & Culture Consultant Advisor at NIE Networks, bringing more than 45 years of experience in human resources across a range of sectors. He is a member of the Northern Ireland Skills Council, a Chartered Companion of the CIPD, and serves on the boards of both the Grand Opera House Trust and the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. He holds an MBA and is a Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors. ![Richard Kirk ](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Square%20Profile%20Img%20(50).png?width=400&height=400&name=Square%20Profile%20Img%20(50).png "Richard Kirk ") ### Don’t just compete for today’s workforce. Grow tomorrow’s #### Richard Kirk ##### CEO & Founder, Workplus Richard founded Workplus in 2019 to help employers attract and develop future talent through apprenticeships, work experience and schools engagement. A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) with an MBA from Queen’s University Belfast, he has also contributed to a number of skills and education reviews in Northern Ireland. ### Event Host #### Stuart Anderson ##### Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, NI Chamber Stuart leads NI Chamber’s policy and political engagement, working with members and decision-makers to support business growth and competitiveness. A qualified lawyer, he established NI Chamber’s partnership with North Carolina Chamber and serves as Convenor of the Northern Ireland Business Stakeholders Group on the Windsor Framework. ![Square Profile Img (46)](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Square%20Profile%20Img%20(46).png?width=400&height=400&name=Square%20Profile%20Img%20(46).png "Square Profile Img (46)") ![Untitled (1)-1](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20(1)-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=Untitled%20(1)-1.png "Untitled (1)-1") ![Circular image suzanne wylie](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Circular%20image%20suzanne%20wylie.png?width=400&height=400&name=Circular%20image%20suzanne%20wylie.png "Circular image suzanne wylie") ### Delivering on Jobs and Skills #### Suzanne Wylie ##### Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Suzanne Wylie, appointed Chief Executive of NI Chamber in August 2023, brings extensive leadership experience from roles in the Jersey Government and Belfast City Council. Her achievements include securing the £1bn Belfast City Region Deal, developing the Belfast-Dublin Economic Corridor, and chairing Innovation City Belfast. Suzanne is committed to boosting Northern Ireland's economy and fostering business innovation. She holds an OBE, an honorary doctorate from Queen's University Belfast, an MBA, and is a fellow of the Institute of Directors.  ## Future Workforce Summit: ## Our Key Panels ### Creating the Conditions: What the System Needs to Get Right Leaders from education and the community and voluntary sector will discuss what the education and skills system must get right to prepare young people for work and connect them with employers.   - ![Heather McKee](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heather%20McKee.png?width=500&height=500&name=Heather%20McKee.png) **Heather McKee** Deputy Principle, Planning, Performance and Engagement South Eastern Regional College - ![Nina Slingsby](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Nina%20Slingsby.png?width=500&height=500&name=Nina%20Slingsby.png) **Nina Slingsby** Founder OAHA - ![Richard Longman](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Richard%20Longman.png?width=500&height=500&name=Richard%20Longman.png) **Richard Longman** Head of Business School The Open University Business School - ![Stephen Dallas](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Stephen%20Dallas.png?width=500&height=500&name=_Stephen%20Dallas.png) **Stephen Dallas** CEO The Bytes Project ### Creating the Opportunities: The Employer Perspective on Backing Young Talent Employers will share why they invest in early talent and the benefits it brings, how they attract, develop and retain young people, and the practical steps any business can take to do the same.   - ![Aileen McAvoy](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Aileen%20McAvoy.png?width=500&height=500&name=Aileen%20McAvoy.png) **Aileen McAvoy** Head of Organisation Effectiveness  Danske Bank - ![Graeme Bennett](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Graeme%20Bennett.png?width=500&height=500&name=Graeme%20Bennett.png) **Graeme Bennett** General Manager  IPC Mouldings - ![Ellie Williamson ](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ellie%20Williamson%20(2).png?width=500&height=500&name=Ellie%20Williamson%20(2).png) **Ellie Williamson** Early Careers Manager FieldFisher - ![Roseanna Daly ](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Roseanna%20Daly%20(1).png?width=500&height=500&name=Roseanna%20Daly%20(1).png) **Roseanna Daly** Head of Early Careers The Keystone Group ### Creating the Change: Young People on the Pathways into Work ### Young people at the start of their careers will share their own experiences of apprenticeships, study and early roles, including what has helped or hindered them on their pathway into work.   - ![Luke Brown](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luke%20Brown.png?width=500&height=500&name=Luke%20Brown.png) **Luke Brown** Business and Marketing Assistant Workplus - ![Faith Finney](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Faith%20Finney.png?width=500&height=500&name=Faith%20Finney.png) **Faith Finney** Apprentice Quantity Surveyor GRAHAM Construction Construction Engineering Student - ![Connell Heaney](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Connell%20Heaney.png?width=500&height=500&name=Connell%20Heaney.png) **Connell Heaney** Graduate Electrical Engineer NIE Networks - ![Charlotte Murphy](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Charlotte%20Murphy.png?width=500&height=500&name=_Charlotte%20Murphy.png) **Charlotte Murphy** Design & Innovation Student The Open University - ![Maya McKnight](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Maya%20McKnight.png?width=500&height=500&name=Maya%20McKnight.png) **Maya McKnight** Upper 6th Student and YENI Company Programme Participant Bangor Academy [BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/event/future-workforce-summit-2026/) ## Future Workforce Summit: ## About Our Sponsors [![Untitled - September 28, 2026 at 15.43.43 (1)](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20-%20September%2028%2c%202026%20at%2015.43.43%20(1).png?width=300&height=300&name=Untitled%20-%20September%2028%2c%202026%20at%2015.43.43%20(1).png "Untitled - September 28, 2026 at 15.43.43 (1)")](https://www.nienetworks.co.uk/) ### Headline Sponsor #### NIE Networks ##### Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) is the owner of the electricity transmission and distribution networks in Northern Ireland, transporting electricity to over 910,000 customers including homes, businesses and farms. In the next decade, renewable energy will transform our electricity network providing a sustainable and more prosperous future for us all. We'll be hiring hundreds of people over the next months and years to make it happen. [![work plus (1)](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/work%20plus%20(1).png?width=300&height=300&name=work%20plus%20(1).png "work plus (1)")](https://www.workplus.app/) ### Supporting Sponsor #### Work+ Workplus helps employers raise their profile with schools and parents, build talent pathways and grow early talent. Its bespoke software simplifies apprentice recruitment, offering a coordinated one-stop shop for employers and applicants. Since 2019, over 100 employers across engineering, tech, construction and business services have recruited apprentices through Workplus. Current projects include Software for All in partnership with Software NI and funded by the Department for the Economy, to increase female apprentices in software, cyber and fintech. Workplus also partners with local councils on work experience and internship projects, and recently launched Career Quest - a career discovery hub for Year 9/10 pupils. [![Further Education NI Logo](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Further%20Education%20NI%20Logo.png?width=300&height=119&name=Further%20Education%20NI%20Logo.png "Further Education NI Logo")](https://furthereducationni.com/) ### Supporting Sponsor #### Further Education NI ##### FE NI represents the collective voice of Northern Ireland’s six regional colleges. It plays a pivotal role in: - **Driving economic growth** by equipping learners with professional and technical qualifications aligned to industry needs, from entry level to Foundation Degrees and Higher-Level Apprenticeships. - **Promoting social inclusion** through accessible education pathways for all, including school leavers, career changers, and lifelong learners. - **Supporting employers** by fostering innovation and supplying a skilled workforce. - **Collaborating with industry** to ensure training is relevant, future-focused, and responsive to evolving demands. FE NI is a key partner in shaping NI’s workforce strategy, empowering individuals through education. [![the-open-university-business-school-logo](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/the-open-university-business-school-logo.png?width=300&height=127&name=the-open-university-business-school-logo.png "the-open-university-business-school-logo")](https://www.ey.com/en_uk) ### Supporting Sponsor #### The Open University ##### The Open University Business School helps people access business and management education, build meaningful careers, and contribute to responsible organisational and societal change. ##### Through supported open learning, employer engagement, professional development, and internationally recognised research, the Business School creates pathways into management, leadership, and professional practice. ##### As a triple-accredited business school within The Open University, it works with employers, professional bodies, policymakers, alumni, and communities to widen opportunity, strengthen organisational capability, and generate societal impact. Current priorities include lifelong learning, responsible AI and digital capability, reciprocal partnerships and enterprise, international engagement, and developing more equitable, sustainable, and responsible futures through business education and research. ![29102G - FWS 2026 Sponsors Banner - 01](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hubfs/29102G%20-%20FWS%202026%20Sponsors%20Banner%20-%2001.jpg "29102G - FWS 2026 Sponsors Banner - 01") [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/northern-ireland-chamber-of-commerce) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/ni_chamber/?hl=en) [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.youtube.com/nichamber) © 2026 All rights reserved.