IEP Talks Live - Manchester

About this event:

The IEP are delighted to be returning to Manchester Hall in Manchester, for our first Talks Live event of 2026, kindly sponsored by Occupational Awards Ltd.

Are you looking to connect with like-minded professionals and explore the future of the employability profession? Then don't miss this amazing opportunity to join our next Talks Live event which takes place in the Study Room at Manchester Hall.

This uniquely historic venue is situated in the heart of Manchester city centre. Formerly a Freemason Hall, Manchester Hall was designed in 1929 by architect Percy Scott Worthington. Manchester Hall combines traditional structure with contemporary glamour, making it the perfect venue for all types of events.

This is a fantastic opportunity to network and listen to expert speakers as they share their knowledge and expertise, not to mention the chance to enjoy some refreshments on us and connect with your employability colleagues and peers.

This event is free for all IEP Members to attend. If you are bringing along a guest, they must also be registered.

Here's what's in store:

13:00 Registration & Networking

13:30 Welcome from IEP | Scott Parkin FIEP, Group Chief Executive Officer, IEP

13:35 Welcome from Sponsors | Jan Richardson-Wilde FIEP, Chief Executive Officer, OAL

13:50 Seminar 1 | Listening to the Next Workforce: Insights from the Youth Voice Census | Kat Wells-Bond, Marketing Director, Youth Employment UK

Kat Wells-Bond is Marketing Director at Youth Employment UK, the national body for youth employment. She leads on sharing insights from young people across the UK, working with employers, educators and policymakers to turn Youth Voice Census findings into better, fairer opportunities for young people.

14:20 Speed Networking

14:35 Seminar 2 | Youth Employment in the UK | Naomi White AIEP, Learning and Projects Consultant IEP Learning Academy

Naomi will be talking about the challenges, stigma and what works in practice​ around youth employment in the UK.

15:05 Speed Networking

15:20 Seminar 3 | Breaking down the Barriers to Employment | Angela Lofters, Team Manager, The JOBS Project - Barnardo’s Manchester Employment, Training & Skills Division

Angela will be bringing along her lived experience through Barnado's and talking about the JOBS Project. We'll also hear from two young people about their experience and how they have found employment through the help of the JOBS Project with Amazon and Ikea.

15:50 Refreshments & Networking

16:30 Event Close

About Occupational Awards Ltd

Occupational Awards Limited (OAL) is a leading Awarding and Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation, committed to elevating workforce skills and standards across diverse industries.

Valued by employers, training providers, and apprentices, OAL delivers adaptable and responsive solutions tailored to the specific needs of each sector. Our robust quality assurance processes, combined with a dedication to innovation and exceptional customer support, establish OAL as a trusted ally in professional development and Apprenticeship Assessment.

By choosing OAL, you align with an organisation that champions transparency, expertise, and industry relevance, ensuring that every learner is valued, every assessment is fair and consistent and that our qualifications reflect and develop the competencies essential for today’s evolving workforce.