IEP Talks Live - Cardiff

About this event:

The IEP are delighted to be returning to Cardiff for our third Talks Live event of 2026, kindly sponsored by Case UK

Are you looking to connect with like-minded professionals and explore the future of the employability profession? Then don't miss this amazing opportunity to join our next Talks Live event which takes place in Cardiff.

This is a fantastic opportunity to network and listen to expert speakers as they share their knowledge and expertise, not to mention the chance to enjoy some light refreshments on us and connect with your employability colleagues and peers.

This event is free for all IEP Members to attend. If you are bringing along a guest, they must also be registered.

Here's what's in store:

13:15 Registration & Networking

13:45 Welcome from IEP | Ruth Hanson FIEP, Head of Growth, IEP

13:50 Welcome from Sponsors | Tim Pattenden FIEP, Head of Operations & Services, Case UK Ltd

14:05 Seminar 1 | Engaging the Disengaged: How Education Can Reconnect Young People to Opportunity | Sharon James-Evans,  Principal, Cardiff and Vale College 
With over 30 years’ experience working in post 16 education including work based learning and higher education, Sharon has been Principal of the Cardiff and Vale College and largest apprenticeship provider since March 2022. She has operational responsibility for the College’s commercial and business activities, driving innovative business growth and continued investment that supports our communities and economy.
She also sits on the Board of Wales Millennium Centre and am Chair of Its My Shout charity. Sharon is also a member of the Welsh Government Employability Group and Creative Wales and a Governor and Chair of Curriculum and Quality for Eastern High School.

14:35 Speed Networking

14:50 Seminar 2 | Bridging the Gap: Apprenticeships and Training as a Gateway to Work for Young People | Lisa Mytton, Strategic Director, National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW)
Lisa is currently the Strategic Director for NTFW National Training Federation Wales, Lisa has worked in the Post 16 work-based learning industry for over 28 years alongside a 17 year political career in Local Government.
She has previously been the Mayor, Cabinet member for Education and most recently Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
Lisa is also a director of the following charitable companies The Cyfarthfa Foundation, Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind and The Stephens and George Charitable Trust.

15:20 Speed Networking

15:35 Seminar 3 | From Potential to Productivity: How SMEs Can Unlock Youth Employment | Rob Basini, Development Manager & Felix Milbank, Deputy Head of Policy, Federation of Small Businesses

Rob Basini - After studying business economics at Cardiff Business School, he managed and owned several small businesses in South Wales. Rob then worked in international development for a number of years, focusing on business development. Since returning to South Wales, he has been involved in business support and has for the last eight years has been proud to support the small business community in South Wales in his role at the Federation of Small Businesses.

Felix Milbank - is a policy specialist currently serving as Deputy Head of Policy at the Federation of Small Businesses in Wales, where his work focuses on SME policy, fiscal devolution and cross-border market intelligence. Named in Wise Bank's 20 under 20 in 2018, he has built professional experience across UK, EU and Danish institutions working at the intersection of economic analysis, geopolitical risk and stakeholder engagement. He specialises in global economic affairs and fiscal events, and is currently completing an MA in Global Political Economy at King's College London.

16:05 Refreshments & Networking

16:45 Event Close

About Case UK

Founded in 2016, Case-UK has grown to deliver both mental and physical health services across the UK.
Despite our growth over the years, we pride ourselves on remaining a family-run company, developing our services and providing support to further reaches of the UK.
As of 2023 we have continued to deliver the Able Futures, In-Work and Out of Work Services across areas of Wales. We also deliver the Able Futures service to the lovely residents of South West England
A majority of our staff have lived experiences of their own, many of which have (or still) suffer from health illnesses, be it physical or mental.. this means when you are supported by us, you aren't judged but, you are understood.