Green Skills & Good Work in Cornwall

Join us for an exciting showcase event where we'll share insights from community-led research and demonstrate a beta version of Flourish – an innovative platform designed to support young people in understanding pathways into green jobs through insights into their skills, as well as connecting them with relevant training and work opportunities.

This event is organised by the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW), an independent research and development institute focused on examining the impact of AI and automation on work and working lives. Working at the intersection of government, civil society, and business, we aim to foster a society where everyone can thrive through this technological transformation.

We're excited to confirm the following panellists:

• Katarina Berge - Careers Advisor at Truro and Penwith College
• Jacob Wheeler - Training Manager at Naked Solar
• Duncan Mitchell - Director at MPower Kernow
• Dr Joanie Willett - Associate Professor in Regional Development at the University of Exeter

Why this matters

Supported by the UfI VocTech Trust, our research has highlighted how Cornwall has so many regional strengths in green industries - but also faces some big challenges to get the best from those strengths, with significant skills gaps, low innovation readiness, and low uptake of vocational qualifications, creating barriers for local workers and young people transitioning into green jobs.

Through this project, we've worked directly with young people, local businesses, and career support services to understand these challenges from the ground up. The result is Flourish – a platform that takes a systems lens to address these barriers while staying grounded in the lived experiences of Cornwall's communities.

What is Flourish?

Flourish is designed to:

• Help young people understand and map their existing skills & capabilities

• Connect them with relevant training and work opportunities

• Make pathways into green jobs clearer and more accessible

• Bridge the gap between education, employers, and career support

Crucially, Flourish hasn't been designed for communities – it's been designed with them. Throughout the project, we've centred the voices of young people through a community research approach, in partnership with Cornwall Council.

Event Programme

14:00-14:15 – Welcome and introduction
Dr Abby Gilbert, Executive Co-Director, Institute for the Future of Work

14:15-14:30 – Insights from the ground
Community Researchers share their findings on green skills and good work in Cornwall

14:30-15:30 – Expert panel discussion
Exploring skills gaps, quality employment, and pathways into green careers

15:30-16:00– Flourish platform demonstration
See how Flourish works and how it can support young people

16:00-16:15 – Closing remarks and next steps

16:15-17:00 – Networking and refreshments
Connect with educators, researchers, green businesses, and community stakeholders

Light refreshments will be provided throughout the event.

Questions?
Contact us at kester@ifow.org

We look forward to seeing you there and building Cornwall's green future together.