How is the City Council addressing the skills shortage challenge within Milton Keynes? As well as keeping a good relationship with local schools, businesses and colleges, Milton Keynes City Council is committed to reducing inequalities in access to education and training. Addressing barriers faced by underrepresented groups, can help open that access and ensure everyone in the city has the opportunity to develop skills and contribute to the local economy.
Could you elaborate on the council’s initiatives or programmes to improve access to education, skills and training in the technology and digital industries? Our Young People’s Opportunities Fair is a successful opportunity for young people aged 16 to 25 who are not yet in employment, education or training, to meet local businesses and learn about the opportunities open to them in the city. T e City Council’s Information, Advice and Guidance workers off er help with CV writing and interview techniques.
What role do you see the MKBAA 2025 playing in energising the debate and action around bridging the skills gap in Milton Keynes? MKBAA 2025 plays a key role in highlighting the impor- tance of addressing the skills gap and fostering collabora- tion among key stakeholders. T e theme provides a plat- form to celebrate those already fostering those practices and encourages others to explore new ideas about how they can help bridge the gap.
In what ways does the council collaborate with businesses, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to enhance the skills landscape? Collaboration is key when it comes to enhancing the local skills landscape. T e City Council’s Smart City Action Plan is a fi ve-year Technology, Smart City, Digital and Creative Industries Strategy which aims to grow the city’s
global reputation as a Smart City and home of innovation through partnerships and engagement. Events like the council’s Artifi cial Intelligence Festival helps to bring businesses together and our educational facilities are encouraged to get involved.
Why is it crucial for Milton Keynes to retain its position as one of the UK’s most productive and innovative cities, and how does addressing the skills gap contribute to this? T e city’s reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative cities is key for attracting investment and fostering economic growth. With technology at the forefront of our economy, addressing the skills gap is essential to ensuring businesses have access to the talent they need to innovate and expand.
Cllr Shanika Mahendran
How do you envision the long-term impacts of MK City Plan 2025 on the local business community and Milton Keynes’ economic role regionally and nationally? T e City Plan aims to create a thriving and sustainable city, creating opportunities for residents and businesses but also ensuring that Milton Keynes continues to contribute signifi cantly to the UK economy.
To fi nd out more about the fi nal few remaining sponsorship opportunities for the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2025, visit
www.mkbaa.co.uk and follow @MK_BAA on X and Instagram and join the discussion on LinkedIn.
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