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Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray pictured with Tracy Rice, Chair of ABC Labour Market Partnership and Councillor Tim McClelland, Chair of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee to launch the Employability and Skills Conference – Educate, Empower, Employ which will take place on Thursday 6 November 2025.<\/p>\n
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough\u2019s Labour Market Partnership (ABC LMP) is set to host its annual conference on Thursday 6 November 2025, bringing together educators, employers and policy makers to shape the future of careers and employability across the borough and beyond.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s conference will focus on the theme \u2018Educate, Empower, Employ\u2019.\u00a0 It follows the launch of the Careers Action Plan 2025\u20132028 \u2014 a joint initiative by the Department for Education and the Department for the Economy \u2014 which sets a new direction for careers education, skills development and employment support.<\/p>\n
ABC\u2019s Labour Market Partnership (LMP) is funded by the Department for Communities. Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration locally and regionally to support people towards and into work.<\/p>\n
With a renewed focus on careers education, inclusive pathways and joined-up delivery, the \u2018Educate, Empower, Employ\u2019 conference reflects a shared commitment to building a more connected, inclusive and responsive careers ecosystem across the borough.<\/p>\n
Building on the momentum of previous LMP conferences, the autumn 2025 event offers a chance to learn how schools and training providers are preparing young people for work, explore inclusive practices that unlock potential for all and hear from local employers about skills needs and emerging talent.<\/p>\n
Attendees can connect with educators, employers, and policymakers, share insights and build partnerships to support every person\u2019s journey into education and employment.<\/p>\n
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cOur young people deserve the very best opportunities to fulfil their potential, and that means creating clear, inclusive, and joined-up pathways into education, training and work. This conference is an important milestone in that journey \u2014 it brings together the people who can influence change and ensures we are working together to meet the needs of both learners and employers across our borough.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tracy Rice, Chair of ABC Labour Market Partnership and Head of Business Engagement at Southern Regional College, added:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe launch of the Careers Action Plan 2025\u20132028 has set a strong direction for the future of careers support in Northern Ireland. This conference provides the perfect platform to translate those ambitions into action \u2014 ensuring employers have a voice, education institutions are supported, and learners of all abilities have the chance to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Well known journalist and broadcaster, Mark Simpson will compere the event. He commented:<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m delighted to return to host this important event. Last year\u2019s conference showed the real power of bringing together employers, experts and policymakers in one room \u2014 and this year promises to be even more impactful. It\u2019s about sparking conversations, challenging assumptions and helping to shape a brighter future for everyone in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whether you are an educator, local employer or policy maker, the Educate, Empower, Employ Conference 2025 is your chance to connect, contribute and help future-proof the borough\u2019s employability landscape.<\/p>\n