Bournemouth, Education | Posted on February 16th, 2026 | return to news

Dorset skills summit a success

The People Festival conference, which was organised by the Dorset Skills team at Dorset Chamber, was a sell-out.

The largest event of its kind in Dorset, aiming to shape the future of the county’s workforce, attracted more than 150 visitors.

The People Festival conference and expo was staged as part of Dorset’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) to help make the county a place where people and businesses thrive.

Organised by the Dorset Skills team at Dorset Chamber, the event was part of the ongoing UK government-funded strategy to build a more skilled and resilient workforce in the county. The event was supported by BCP Council, Dorset Council, Business Growth Dorset and Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “The People Festival was a tremendous success.
“It was the largest celebration of its kind in Dorset and the surrounding region of the people, skills and partnerships that power our economy.

“The sharing of ideas, insights from talented speakers and the depth of connections made between delegates, along with the scale of ambition, determination and positivity for Dorset, its employees and businesses, was truly inspirational.”

Rosie Knapper, who leads the Dorset LSIP, said: “This event demonstrates the real strength of collaboration across Dorset.

“I want to thank every employer, educator, training provider, partner and supporter who helped make The People Festival such a success.

“Together we explored the full spectrum of workforce development — from upskilling and leadership development to supporting young people into meaningful employment, inclusive hiring practices, and embracing AI.

“AI is not a distant concept; it is here now, reshaping roles and industries. Our rallying cry is clear: Dorset must integrate AI confidently and responsibly into the workforce, ensuring businesses and individuals are equipped to thrive.

“With Skills England continuing to simplify, reform and mobilise the national skills system, there is a powerful opportunity to collaborate locally and co-create practical solutions.

The expo allowed delegates to network and connect with business support services, training providers and partners, while a roundtable session focused on exploring deeper partnership working. Student volunteers from Brockenhurst College and SWRAC supported the events team during the day, benefiting from a valuable work experience opportunity.

Dorset Chamber also launched its annual Apprenticeship Awards at the event. Girling opened the event, followed by addresses from Rosie Knapper, Dorset LSIP project lead from Dorset Skills, and Rebecca Davies, Get Britain Working lead from Dorset LSIP and Dorset Skills.

Panels focused on ‘The Productivity Advantage: Grow, Engage and Retain’ and ‘Employing and Developing Young People’.

Nicola Newman, from Dorset Skills and Workforce Board, chaired a Power Hour Q&A with author and academic Tom Parr, Dr Melanie Collins from Skills England and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and tech leader and CEO Padmasini Dayananda.