Webinar Series: ReTHINK & ReINVENT
Chapter: Elevate North East
20 May 2025 | 3 PM (UK Time)

Webinar Topic:
How are Skills Bootcamp and Apprenticeship programmes helping learners get meaningful employment?
Meet our Speaker

Candice Fanning
Employability Manager for Adult Skills and Education Service
City of London Corporation
Candice Fanning is the Employability Manager for the Adult Skills and Education Service at the City of London Corporation, bringing with her over 18 years of experience in adult education, employability, and workforce development across both public and private sectors.
Throughout her career, she has held key positions at Kent Adult Education, Medway Adult Education, Westminster Adult Education Service, and Just IT—designing and delivering inclusive, employment-focused learning programmes that support adult learners in achieving meaningful career outcomes.
A passionate advocate for lifelong learning and digital inclusion, Candice has led initiatives such as the Mayor’s Digital Academy, funded by the Greater London Authority, which transformed adult education into a more employment-driven and market-aligned ecosystem.
Her expertise spans curriculum innovation, safeguarding, supported learning, and managing public funding streams such as the Adult Education Budget (AEB) and Discretionary Support Fund (DSF). At Medway Adult Education, she played a key role in securing a “Good” rating from Ofsted by strengthening learner support and safeguarding practices.
Candice’s background as a trained LAMDA actress and BBC Radio Kent presenter has enriched her ability to engage, inspire, and communicate with learners. She has used these skills to champion public speaking and confidence-building as integral parts of employability training.
As a single mother for over 16 years, Candice brings lived experience and empathy to her role, understanding the real-life challenges adult learners face when balancing education, employment, and family responsibilities.
She continues to advocate for accessible, flexible, and employer-led training models, believing that adult education can be a powerful driver of confidence, inclusion, and economic mobility.
Join us as we discuss about:
- The evolving landscape of skills and employment in the UK
- Role of Skills bootcamp in facilitating meaningful employment
- Accessibility and career change opportunities via bootcamps
- Long term career development and industry immersion via apprenticeship
- Skills bootcamps vs apprenticeship: when is each route more suitable
- The future of skills training and the role of bootcamps and apprenticeship
- Overcoming barriers to success in bootcamps and apprenticeships
- Employer ROI and business benefits of engaging with bootcamps and apprenticeships
Date & Time:
JOIN THE WEBINAR AND GET PERSONALISED CERTIFICATE
(LIVE WEBINAR VIEWERS ONLY)
Previous Webinars
From Unemployment to Employment: The Power of Pre Employment Training
Elaine Murray
In this webinar, we explored how pre-employment training can bridge the gap between unemployment and sustainable employment. We discussed current job market challenges, the importance of soft skills, and the role of workplace readiness in empowering individuals and transforming communities. Our speaker, Elaine Murray, a seasoned expert in employability programmes and community development from Sunderland, UK, provided valuable insights from her extensive work across sectors in the North East of England.
Diversity and Inclusion in the North East Tech Sector
Caroline Williamson
This session, led by Caroline Williamson, Skills Manager at Sunderland Software City, explored the D&I landscape, challenges for underrepresented groups, and inclusive hiring practices. Key insights included strategies for retaining diverse talent, addressing unconscious bias, and fostering leadership diversity. The webinar also highlighted the Tech Talent Engine programme’s role in building a more inclusive and competitive tech ecosystem in the region.
Women in Tech: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future
Rhys Owen
In this webinar, we explored the state of women in tech. We celebrated pioneering women and discussed strategies for overcoming barriers through mentorship, supportive networks, and continuous learning. Practical tips on skill-building, career transitions, and leadership were also shared. Our guest speaker, Ibtisame B., a Primed Talent UK (AWS re/Start) alumna and software engineer, provided inspiring insights from her journey in building a successful tech career.