Unlocking talent to support the Kent economy

To tackle the skills deficit in Kent and design appropriate education and training provision we will:

  • Maximise the opportunities presented by the Sub National Review and transfer of LSC 16 -19 commissioning to KCC by developing a world-class Business Education Partnership that will strategically align our economic development and education and training functions.
  • Develop a commissioning model for post -16 education and training provision that puts Kent’s business needs at its heart so that young people emerge with the key skills required by the local economy.
  • Establish a Skills Commission for Kent, chaired by a captain of industry with members from key economic sectors in Kent. The commission will examine the skills needs of Kent and identify areas for future investment.
  • Work with higher education institutions in Kent to ensure that courses link to the skills needs of our economy, leading to more graduates living and working here.
  • Ensure our curriculum focuses on building key employability ‘softer’ skills such as team working problem solving and developing a strong work ethic.
  • Support young people to make the right choices. We will facilitate a wide range of education and training options to match young people’s aims and ambitions.
  • Deliver more applied and work-based learning. We will apply the successful principles of our secondary school curriculum to post -16 education and training. We will also develop our business master classes, so today’s business leaders can inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
  • Work with partners to transform careers guidance in schools, providing independent advice on the full range of career and teaching options at ages 14, 16 and 19. We will move towards teaching young people to manage their own skills needs and future careers in order to succeed in a fast changing global economy.
  • Reduce the number of 16 -24 year olds on welfare by relaunching the Kent Supporting Independence Programme.
  • Develop creative schemes to employ more young people in the public sector and support the growth of social enterprises across the county.

Contact us

Kent County Council
County Hall
Maidstone
Kent ME14 1XQ

county.hall @kent.gov.uk

24 hour helpline: 08458 247 247

Textphone:
08458 247 905

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