Political Party Conferences provide policy and public affairs teams such as ours with an insight into the inner workings of the party, the opportunity to glean knowledge from industry experts at fringe events, and vital networking opportunities with senior MPs and officials.As UKWA’s people and skills policy specialist, for me this year’s Labour Party conference was led by discussions around apprenticeships, training, diversity and retention in the warehousing and logistics sector.St Martin’s Group hosted an excellent session into how both industry and Government can meet the growing demand for apprenticeships. The latest figures suggest that the demand for apprenticeships, particularly amongst young people, is far outstripping supply.Many training providers are concerned that the proposed widening of the apprenticeship levy will lead to a reduction in the number of new apprentices, as employers will be financially incentivised to move towards cheaper and less time intensive training offerings. However, I still believe this change will benefit UKWA members by increasing the availability of funded routes into the sector, outside of those offered by traditional, 12-month apprenticeship programmes – the parameters of which can be rather rigid or impractical for some learners.https://www.ukwa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/New-policy-Briefing-Mailchimp-Month-2-07-1024×366.pngSeveral events highlighted our need to build skills for the future. I heard from the Skills Minister, Baroness Jacqui Smith, who noted a desire to work closely with industry on removing barriers to recruiting and retaining the best and brightest. Diversity in the sector remains a sticking point, and of particular importance amongst younger people. It was encouraging to hear many these conversations reflecting the topics discussed at our own People and Skills Advisory Board.Through UKWA CEO Clare Bottle, the sector was represented at a roundtable on the new Growth and Skills Levy. The conversation centred around the potential of the new levy to unlock the skills needed for futureproofing supply chains. There was significant policymaker presence at this roundtable and those present left the discussion with a better knowledge of the warehousing sector, including labour challenges and opportunities.The finer details of reforms to planning, net-zero and the economy will be revealed by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves during her budget announcement on 30th October – the next key event in our political calendars.