Having joined the International Economic Development Council in 2017, I attended the IEDC Annual Conference in Toronto along with 1,400 other professionals. By securing a speaking role I also managed to reach out to economic development professionals by highlighting a UK graduate retention programme as a “good practice” approach to share with delegates.
In 2020 I was asked to give a presentation to the IEDC Annual Conference planned for Dallas, Texas but held on an online platform due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. In the session, “Integrating special populations into the workplace”, I presented my findings from my extensive evaluation work of youth employability programmes, across 2017-2020. I highlighted key success factors of programmes that helped young people with multiple and complex challenges become more job-ready, find and secure employment. My presentation gave an overview guide to those seeking to develop youth employability support packages in their own communities.
Since January 2018 I have been a member of IEDC’s International Advisory Committee, taking a proactive role in providing a UK perspective and forging closer ties with EDOs in the USA, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and elsewhere.
I have also had two articles published in ED NOW the international online journal featuring good practice in economic development and gave a presentation to IEDC’s Higher Education Advisory Committee. I was also guest speaker on the EcDev Network (July 2021), talking about workforce development issues, including employer engagement and support for young people.
EcDev Network’s first Transatlantic event