Join UVAC and colleagues from education, industry, research and the wider technical skills community for the next in our inspiring Innovation Exchange series, on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology exploring how technology is transforming working practices, enhancing learning and creating new opportunities to improve accessibility, inspire inclusion, and develop the workforce of the future. 

Together, we will explore how systems leadership can strengthen education and skills through people, places, partnerships and possibilities, while developing T-shaped learners—individuals with deep technical expertise, broad transferable skills and the adaptability to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Discover how UK and international best practice can help create a more connected, innovative and inclusive tertiary education system that delivers equally valued academic and technical pathways. 

DOWNLOAD the full agenda 

This is a chance to hear from leading speakers from education, industry, research and policy as they explore the future skills needed for work, learning and life, including the afternoon panel discussion, People, Place, Pathways and Possibilities: Building Ladders of Opportunity for All led by Panel Chair, Professor Rosa Wells-Deputy Vice Chancellor (Further Education Principal, Apprenticeships and STEM), University College Birmingham. 

As part of the event, there is also a guided tour of the Learning Factory—home to Europe’s largest cyber-physical manufacturing rig dedicated to Industry 4.0 training. During the tour, with live demonstrations of cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment, you can discover how emerging technologies are transforming manufacturing, reshaping work practices and creating exciting opportunities for technical education and workforce development. 

REGISTER you place today for this free to attend event.