Progress to improve skills across Kent and Medway praised by Minister

The work being done to address skills shortages and grow the Kent and Medway economy has been praised by the Minister for Skills at the Department for Education.

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has published its annual progress report on the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Kent and Medway, which was welcomed by The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern. The LSIP, which is funded by Government aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring a skilled workforce that meets the region’s economic needs, and is one of 38 in the country.

The progress report highlights the significant achievements and initiatives delivered since the LSIP was launched in 2022, and how business has played a greater involvement in shaping the area’s skills agenda.

Among the local achievements is more than £8m of investment to support skills, education and training programmes aligned with the specific requirements of local businesses. This makes Kent and Medway one of the most successful regions in UK.

Commenting on the release of the progress report, Baroness Smith said: “I welcome the publication of the Local Skills Improvement Plan Progress Report for Kent & Medway. These reports set out progress made on meeting the skills needs of local employers.

“As well as being a valuable source of information for local skills deliverers, employers and stakeholders, the reports along with the LSIPs themselves, will provide important intelligence for the newly established Skills England.”

The report highlights the work to address skills shortages, and the progress made to identify and address critical skill gaps. The LSIP and its partners support key industries across Kent and Medway, including construction; manufacturing; health and social care; food and food production; and education.

The LSIP has also outlined its future priorities, including enhancing the capabilities of the regional workforce through targeted training and upskilling initiatives.

Tudor Price, Chief Executive Officer of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce added: “The LSIP for Kent and Medway continues to be a tremendous success for all those involved. The willingness and desire of stakeholders to collaborate constructively for the benefit of the business community and the wider economy, has been exemplary.

“The praise and recognition afforded by the Department for Education to the work of the LSIP and the Chamber’s Skills Team is a testament to the close cooperation and collaborative with businesses and our stakeholders.

“The result has been to secure more than £8m investment that enhances skills and improves opportunities within our community. The engagement with business will continue to play a vital role in the LSIP’s future activities and achieve even greater outcomes for Kent and Medway.”

The 2024 LSIP Progress Report and further updates can be found at www.kentemployerskillsplan.org.