Business leaders attend EXIST event at Rockbeare Manor

Microsoft and AWS among speakers

Business leaders and professionals have near Exeter to discuss how skills development and artificial intelligence are shaping the future of work.

More than 100 people from businesses all over Devon and the South West attended an event at Rockbeare Manor, where speakers explored the challenges facing employers and workers as technology continues to change the workplace.

The event was hosted by EXIST, the Exeter Initiative for Science and Technology, a network supported by Exeter Chamber that brings together business, education and public sector partners to encourage innovation and collaboration.

The aim of the EXIST events are to explore how skills can be developed to support future growth while ensuring new technology is used in a responsible and inclusive way.

One of the key speakers at the East Devon site was the Rt Hon Sir Mel Stride, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, and he spoke about the importance of treating skills as a key part of economic infrastructure. 

Sir Mel Stride told us: “as AI changes very rapidly through time, we’ve got to look at a different type of skills offer which is probably going to be shorter, shaper, lifelong learning of all ages, changing what they’re doing during their working life. 

He also thinks the rise of apprenticeships and vocational courses, that Devon colleges and universities have to offer puts more emphasis on skills:

“These nimble skills offering there through life will help drive people into work and this rapidly changing technical world.”

Mr Stride was grateful to be at the event: “It’s really important to be here [at Rockbeare Manor] with more than 100 people talking about the future and artificial intelligence, the impact of technology in the sector moving forward. It’s great to be here listening and learning with industry leaders.”

The audience also heard from Richard Potter, Director of Digital Strategy at Microsoft, who focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace. 

He said: “AI is such a hot topic at the moment, and people don’t really need to learn high profile skills like coding languages or have in depth knowledge as much as they might have done previously- and can access that through artificial intelligence. 

“It’s actually reframing work, jobs that we used to take for granted are changing as people are using more AI automation and insight to do those jobs. They are breaking down barriers in industry’s helping workers use different skill sets that they perhaps haven’t done before. It’s more of an equal playing field now. 

Christina Cole, Head of UK and EMEA at AWS Skills to Jobs, outlined how accessible digital tools and flexible learning pathways can help people build confidence and move into future focused roles during her talk in front of the audience. She couldn’t take part in an interview.

The Chief Executive of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce was at the event and was delighted with how many people turned up:  “the Exeter Initiative for Science and Technology is all about celebrating the huge achievements businesses make in different sectors. 

“It’s just fantastic to bring in world class speakers from companies like Microsoft, AWS and have the Shadow Chancellor of the exchequer turn up to. We want to retain talent in this region and holding events like this can help spread the message.”

The Exeter Initiative for Science and Technology will hold another event in the Spring.