20th January 2026 at 2.00pm (online) on TEAMS
In attendance
Andrew Wheeler
Pete Waters – Visit East of England (External)
Mark Walker – Growth and Investment (External)
Bev Wallman (External)
Andrea Wilson (External)
Jasmine Joolia (External)
Lindsey Flatt (External)
Mason Gill JCP Employer and Partnership Manager, Nor
Lisa Peter (External)
Cousins-Clarke, Sharon (External)
Graham Peers
Leanne Goodrum (External)
Joss Mullett (External)
Jo Probitts (External)
Edwards Jane DWP Partnership Manager
James Mellish
Rachael Cozens | ZSEA Ltd
Rouhaud Laure-Anne JCP Stowmarket Employer Adviser
Louisa Kiddell (External)
Karen Chapman, OPR Consulting (Unverified)
Frances Bedding (External)
Emma Taylor (External)
Rachel Bunn (External)
Andrew’s Headlines:
As a partnership project It is important that VENI is recognised as a cross-college initiative. SWAPs, Bootcamps and other short course formats are being rolled out through VENI across Norfolk and Suffolk. but the small VENI training delivery team is clearly stretched over the next couple of months. Capacity building among the other colleges is a priority for future, wider delivery. How do we replicate the training achievements of VENI across the two counties and through the five colleges? This is a key challenge. Many deadlines relate to end of March 2026, and so the question arises – how to continue this work post April and how to ensure that the work VENI does can be embedded in college programmes in the future.
AI Assisted Notes
1. Welcome and Introductions
Andrew Wheeler explained that the purpose of the group is to support skills development, recruitment, and progression within the visitor economy through partnership working.
2. Review of Previous Meeting (October)
Andrew summarised the previous meeting, explaining that discussions had covered apprenticeships, work experience, training contracts, partnership projects, and collaboration with DWP.
He stated that a recurring challenge is the misalignment between employers, educators, and learners, particularly around timing and capacity for apprenticeships and work experience. Andrew Wheeler described this as an ongoing issue within the “golden triangle” of employers, educators, and learners.
He also clarified that the previously discussed “Pride in Place” initiative would now be referred to as “civic pride” to avoid confusion with other funded programmes.
3. SWAP and DWP Partnership Activity
The Elveden Estate Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) was highlighted as a key success. The five-day programme, delivered in partnership with DWP, resulted in two participants moving directly into employment and remaining in post.
Further employer-led SWAPs are planned, including:
- A SWAP at Bawdsey Manor in East Suffolk
- A SWAP at Banham Zoo
- Potential future employer-specific SWAPs across the region
Jane Edwards (DWP Partnership Manager) explained that the Banham Zoo SWAP will include exposure to hospitality and animal-related roles, a guaranteed job interview at the end of the programme, and transport provision for participants. She also outlined additional work experience streams alongside the SWAP.
Andrew Wheeler added that a Level 1 qualification will be offered where possible alongside SWAP delivery, noting strong interest from participants despite administrative challenges.
4. VENI Training Updates
Andrew Wheeler provided an update on current VENI training activity. He explained that Skills Boot Camps for unemployed participants are delivered as condensed, intensive programmes, while workforce training for existing employees is delivered over a longer period using bite-size sessions.
He said that employer engagement has been strong and that some workforce programmes have evolved into leadership-style development. Andrew Wheeler noted that VENI intends to develop short workforce courses in April and May based on the most effective elements of Skills Boot Camps.
He also highlighted the popularity of “masterclass walkabouts”, explaining that participants consistently report these employer visits as one of the most valuable aspects of the programme for building confidence and understanding the visitor economy.
5. Strategic Positioning of VENI
VENI is at a pivotal point as local authority budgets are being set for the April–March financial year. Andrew emphasised that VENI is a partnership project originally developed with Pete Waters (Visit East of England) and administered through Eastern Education Group. He explained that all FE colleges are formally part of VENI but that curriculum pressures make sustained involvement challenging.
Andrew noted that delivery often relies on associate staff and industry professionals, which has been effective but highlights capacity issues within education.
He stressed that local authority funding is essential. He also emphasised the importance of DWP, explaining that DWP support significantly reduces recruitment and marketing costs and enables engagement with economically inactive individuals.
6. Skills Manifesto and Future Focus
We revisited VENI’s skills manifesto and asked whether it remains appropriate. Key themes:
- Training for all age groups
- Promotion of visitor economy careers
- Apprenticeship growth
- Customer service training
- Engagement with schools
- Labour market intelligence
- Employer networks
- Long-term ambition for a VENI Skills Academy
While progress has been made, the Skills Academy vision remains aspirational and would require greater resourcing and college involvement.
7. Soft Skills, Work Experience, and Inequality
Jane Edwards explained that many DWP customers arrive at programmes lacking confidence and interpersonal skills but leave with significantly improved communication, teamwork, and employability. She said this confidence-building element is critical for individuals who have been economically inactive.
Jane Edwards also highlighted the value of work experience, explaining that longer placements allow employers to recognise strengths that may not be visible in interviews.
Frances Bedding supported this point, stating that many young people lack access to informal work opportunities unless they have personal connections, which reinforces inequality.
Pete Waters (Visit East of England) emphasised that soft skills and attitude are often more important than academic qualifications in the visitor economy.
8. Hospitality Skills Passport
Andrew Wheeler introduced the Hospitality Skills Passport, explaining that it is nationally endorsed and includes compliance and customer service training.
He expressed concern that the passport may be too narrowly focused on hospitality and not fully reflect the wider visitor economy remit of VENI. He invited feedback from the group, noting that no decision has yet been taken on how we might incorporate the UK Hospitality Skills Passport into training programmes.
9. Funding Outlook for 2026
Andrew Wheeler stated that funding beyond March 2026 remains uncertain and that there is a risk of VENI activity reducing if new funding is not secured.
Bev Wallman confirmed that Skills Boot Camps will continue into Wave 7 from April, but with reduced funding allocations due to increased national participation. She added that existing provider contracts may be extended.
Andrew Wheeler said that partner endorsements would be important in supporting future funding discussions with county and district councils.
10. Apprenticeships Update
Lisa Peter (Apprenticeships Norfolk) provided an update on apprenticeship activity, stating that apprenticeship starts in Norfolk have increased by 4.37% year on year.
She explained that visitor economy apprenticeships are primarily captured within Retail and Commercial Enterprise and Leisure, Travel and Tourism sectors and support both new entrants and existing staff.
Lisa Peter outlined future developments including Foundation Apprenticeships from 2026, a stronger focus on young people, potential modular apprenticeships, and continued levy transfer support. She noted that £5 million in levy funding has already supported over 500 apprentices across Norfolk.
11. Conclusion
Andrew Wheeler concluded by stating that VENI continues to deliver clear impact through SWAPs, employer engagement, and confidence-building activity. He emphasised that continued collaboration and advocacy will be essential as the programme approaches a critical funding period
12. Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 21st April 2026