The business of skills

Let’s Go Further

In this episode, we’re speaking to Jane Gratton who leads on employment and skills for the UK’s Accredited Chambers of Commerce and the 50,000 plus businesses they represent.

We’re also joined by Nicola Drury, Head of Skills and Apprenticeships at Amazon, recognised as the top employer in the UK for 2024.

We’re discussing the ever-growing skills gap and asking our guests what employers want and need from a new Government and what needs to change to achieve it.

About Jane Gratton

Jane is Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce. From schools and apprenticeships to lifelong learning, Jane is passionate about shaping an education and skills system that supports people to develop skills for great careers and that helps employers train and develop their workforce. Jane joined the BCC from the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce where she led the delivery of business support programmes – including training, exporting, start-up and scale-up – helping thousands of firms of all sizes and sectors.

About Nicola Drury

After joining Amazon in 2013, Nicola went on to lead the UK teams responsible for training thousands of associates each year on the processes which result in products being delivered to Amazon’s customers. In 2017 she became UK Apprenticeship Manager where she has led Amazon’s efforts to create over 1000 apprenticeship opportunities. Nicola’s career in retail has also seen her working for other big names such as House of Fraser, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer where she has worked across roles in HR and employee development.

Resources:

• Download the transcript for this episode here.