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Employability, and the delivery of skills and competencies aligned to business and industry’s needs for existing and future workforces, is high on the agenda both of the countries of Southern Africa and of the United Kingdom.

This unique Exchange will bring the business community together with universities, colleges, schools, youth and business organizations, the private sector, publishers and equipment and materials suppliers, governments, and regional agencies from the UK and the nations of Southern Africa to examine:

• How education and training systems respond to the needs of business and industry both domestically and internationally.
• Ways in which the providers of education and training deliver professional development and skills for business and industry.
• The development of policy in this area across the education spectrum.
• Issues affecting standards, competencies, qualifications, accreditation.
• The role of international partnerships between governments, colleges, universities, and business and industry.

The Exchange will look in particular at ways in which companies work with the education and training systems in Southern Africa and in the UK and at the strategic opportunities which these relationships and partnerships offer to both sides.

Interactive and case study driven format

Our interactive, delegate – led format is designed to bring people together without barriers to exchange information, knowledge, experience, value – and business.

There are specific examples of national initiatives led by industry, government, and the providers of education and training that are relevant to the policies of all the countries concerned. We will be showcasing these and engaging participants in framing new approaches and relationships between the interested parties.

Clear outputs and designation of follow-up responsibilities

We will be taking notes throughout the Exchange and circulates a comprehensive Post Exchange Report to all attendees which includes a summary of key discussion points, minutes of the meeting, list of action points and a delegate list including contact information to facilitate follow-up.

Who should attend?

The forum will be led by national participants at ministerial and business management level and will also engage heads of education and training departments and institutions, business leaders, and bodies and associations active in the education/business relationship and in international education partnerships from both Southern Africa and the UK. Participants will include the providers and suppliers of materials, books, software, and equipment for education and training.

The following organisations are already registered to attend:

The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) is collaborating in convening the Exchange, and in securing the participation if its member states; Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Republique Democratique du Congo, South Africa, Swaziland, United republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The exchange is open to delegates from Southern Africa and the UK from business and industry and the education and training sectors.

Register now to secure your place

Registration and attendance are FREE OF CHARGE to Southern African delegates but places are limited. Book now to secure your place. Download the fax-back booking form (SA Delegates).

Registration is now open for UK delegates. Registration for the two days, including documentation, refreshments and lunch, is just £200. Click here to download the fax-back booking form. Download the fax-back booking form (UK Delegates).