The employability sector is a great place to work, and we’re pleased to bring these inspirational stories to our members and the wider sector to shout about the great work employability professionals do day in and day out. This collection of inspiring stories charts employability professionals’ remarkable achievements and learning journeys since the inception of the IEP in 2012.
Here is an inspiring Yearbook entry from…
Suneal Ram Kissun AIEP | Manager, Social Impact Partnerships, 2U
What were you doing 12 years ago?
I was the head of membership and marketing for the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, a national trade
membership body, representing independent learning providers/stakeholders involved in the delivery of apprenticeship and back-towork programs, including vocational workplace learning. During this period, I had the privilege of collaborating with the late Janette Faherty FIEP, who entrusted me with the task of designing and establishing a fresh identity for a new professional membership body dedicated to back-to-work and employability professionals/practitioners – the IEP.
My previous association with Janette dates back to the early 90s when she served as the CEO for an autonomous training organisation in North London, the Training Network Group (TNG) which became AVANTA and later acquired. TNG primarily collaborated with the Department of Works & Pension, providing back-to-work schemes, job clubs, and contributing to the New Deal program initiated by the Labour administration under PM Tony Blair. This collaboration expanded to form partnerships with the Department for Education, involving the national delivery of skills programs such as Traineeships and Apprenticeships. I assumed the role of Marketing Manager in 1994 until my departure in 2000 to lead the marketing department at an FE College in South London.
While serving as the Membership Manager at AELP, Janette approached me in early 2012. She, along with other senior leaders from the sector, sought assistance in establishing the brand identity for an aspirant professional body. The vision was to provide recognised professional credentials for experienced practitioners, managers, and early-career talent – a noteworthy endeavour given the absence, at that time, of a formal process for acknowledging and recording prior learning and experience within the sector. The IEP was envisioned as the repository for documenting the activities of individuals operating in this domain. The brief provided by Janette and others emphasised the need for the IEP brand to be easily recognisable by practitioners and national stakeholders involved in workforce development and employability initiatives.
The design and reproduction processes were to be uncomplicated, staying within the confines of a modest marketing budget allocated by Janette. After several collaborative iterations with the steering body, Iconceptualised a two-coloured rounded icon featuring the organisation’s name. This emblem would serve as the cornerstone of allmarketing communications in the era preceding the prevalence of social media and digital marketing. Navigating the constraints oflimited resources, I produced a series of printed IEP collateral including a distinctive members’ pin, offering practitioners tangible recognition and a means of showcasing their affiliation. The new logo identity was unveiled by Janette approximately eight monthslater at an AELP national conference, successfully aligning with the budget and fulfilling the established brief.
What are you doing now?
I am a social impact partnership manager for the UK region for 2U/edX, an American educational technology company that contracts with non-profit colleges and universities globally to build, deliver and support online degree and non-degree programmes. Plus, social impact workforce development initiatives to help under-skilled adults and unemployed adults to pivot into early careers roles in the digital tech sector in the US and the UK.
What have you learned along the way?
It has been a rich and fulfilling journey in the vocational learning and skills landscape over the last two decades. There have been some key learning themes that stand out from my reflection in answering this question. Firstly, Global collaboration: my active
involvement in vocational learning has provided opportunities to collaborate with professionals not only in the UK but also around the world.
This global perspective likely brings diverse insights and approaches to the field.
Building relationships: the emphasis on building long-lasting collaborations and friendships indicates the value I place on relationships within my professional network. These relationships can be instrumental in fostering a supportive and collaborative community.
Advocacy for skills and lifelong learning: my commitment to promoting the value of skills and work-based learning suggests a dedication to the idea that continuous learning is essential throughout one’s career. This aligns with the evolving nature of work and the need for adaptable skill sets.
Inclusion and diversity: through my work highlighting the importance of inclusion and diversity in the workplace, creating pathways for individuals from underrepresented communities reflects my commitment to equality and providing opportunities for everyone.
Mentorship: the act of mentoring young people and adults entering their career paths allows me to share my knowledge and experiences. Offering guidance and advice that can make a significant impact on their professional development.
Values of trust, integrity, and kindness: I recognise the importance of trust, integrity, and kindness in forming collaborations and emphasises the significance of ethical and positive relationships. These values contribute to a healthy and supportive professional environment. Transparency and commitment: by demonstrating one’s transparency and commitment is crucial in professional settings. It builds trust and credibility, enhancing my ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
Continuous learning: to remain open and willing to be bewildered, reflects a growth mindset. This attitude I believe is valuable in an ever-changing landscape where
adaptation and learning are ongoing processes and these experiences have shaped my perspective.
