Building on the impactful discussions at the Inclusive Employment Ecosystem (IEE) meeting hosted by Siemens Energy on January 16, 2025, the seeds of a new initiative were sown—the creation of the IEE Education-Industry Committee. This new endeavor, inspired by the meeting’s vibrant conversations on bridging the gap between education and industry, is poised to forge stronger connections between educators, students, and companies to drive meaningful employment opportunities.

The committee, led by Kevin Baskerville, Special Education Needs Advisor at M42, represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of linking education with employment. During the session, a framework was drafted to guide this initiative. This framework includes identifying industry gaps and needs, fostering mentoring relationships, creating robust feedback mechanisms among stakeholders, and advocating for policy changes that enhance collaboration.

One of the key outcomes of this initiative will be an industry pledge, aimed at solidifying commitments to collaboration between the education and employment sectors, leading to advocacy at the policy level. Over the coming months, the committee will refine the framework, with the goal of releasing the pledge by the summer of 2025.

This new committee reflects the IEE’s continued commitment to advancing inclusive employment and ensuring that no talent goes untapped. By strengthening partnerships between educators and employers, the IEE Education-Industry Committee promises to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable workforce.