Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough’s Labour Market Partnership (ABC LMP) is set to host its annual conference on Thursday 6 November 2025, bringing together educators, employers, and policymakers to help shape the future of careers and employability across the borough.
The event features an inspiring line-up of high-profile speakers including Dr Eoin Magennis, Kathleen O’Hare and Professor Noel Purdy, and will be compered by well-known journalist and broadcaster Mark Simpson.
ABC’s Labour Market Partnership (LMP) is funded by the Department for Communities. Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration locally and regionally to support people towards and into work.
The conference will focus on the theme ‘Educate, Empower, Employ’ and follows the launch of the Careers Action Plan 2025–2028 — a joint initiative by the Department for Education and the Department for the Economy — setting a new direction for careers education, skills development, and employment support.
Mark Simpson, who will guide discussions and panels throughout the day, said: “I’m delighted to return to host this important event. Last year’s conference showed the real power of bringing together employers, experts and policymakers in one room — and this year promises to be even more impactful. It’s about sparking conversations, challenging assumptions and helping to shape a brighter future for everyone in our community.”
The conference line-up includes:
· Professor Noel Purdy OBE – Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, Noel focuses on tackling educational underachievement and improving pastoral care in schools. He chaired the Expert Panel that produced Northern Ireland’s A Fair Start action plan in 2021.
· Kathleen O’Hare OBE – Chair of the NI Skills Council, Kathleen will explore how education, training, and employment can align to create opportunities for every learner, drawing on the Careers Action Plan 2025–2028.
· Dr Eoin Magennis – Principal Economist at Ulster University, Eoin will provide a strategic overview of the skills landscape and the economic trends shaping the workforce today and tomorrow.
· Ruth Douglas – A former Lurgan College student, Ruth began a higher-level apprenticeship with Almac in 2023 and went on to win the UK final of WorldSkills in the Laboratory Technician category.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “Our young people deserve the very best opportunities to fulfil their potential, and that means creating clear, inclusive, and joined-up pathways into education, training and work. This conference is an important milestone in that journey — it brings together the people who can influence change and ensures we are working together to meet the needs of both learners and employers across our borough.”
Tracy Rice, Chair of ABC Labour Market Partnership, added: “The launch of the Careers Action Plan 2025–2028 has set a strong direction for the future of careers support in Northern Ireland. This conference provides the perfect platform to translate those ambitions into action — ensuring employers have a voice, education institutions are supported, and learners of all abilities have the chance to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.”
The conference event takes place at Craigavon Civic Centre on Thursday 6 November from 9am–1.30pm. Attendance is free, but spaces are limited. For more information and to register, visit: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/lmp
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