Minister praises £8m skills investment across Kent and Medway

The work being done to address skills shortages and grow the economy of the Kent and Medway region has been commended by the minister for skills.

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has published its annual progress report on the local skills improvement plan (LSIP) for the region, which was welcomed by Baroness Smith of Malvern.

The government-funded LSIP 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 across 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 £8 million 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.

Baroness Smith said: “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 progress update also highlights the work already done to identify and address critical skills gaps.

Tudor Price, CEO of Kent Invicta Chamber, 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 £8 million 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.”