Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, will open Day One of the Apprenticeships and Training Conference by delivering the official welcome address to delegates.

His opening remarks will set the tone for the conference, underlining the strategic importance of apprenticeships and skills development to regional and national economic growth. The Mayor’s involvement reflects the growing significance of the conference as a key forum for policy makers, employers, and training providers.

Steve Rotherham has been a longstanding advocate for apprenticeships and technical education, championing skills as a driver of opportunity, productivity, and inclusive growth across the Liverpool City Region. Under his leadership, skills and workforce development have remained central to plans to support employers, improve life chances, and future proof the regional economy.

By opening ATC 2026, Mayor Rotherham will reinforce the role of place-based leadership in shaping the skills system and highlight the importance of collaboration between government, employers, and education providers.

His attendance and opening address mark a strong endorsement of the conference and its mission to support a high-quality, employer-led apprenticeships and training system.