Colleges in Kent are bringing information to towns in the county over the coming weeks to share three new government-funded projects.
The Kent and Medway Skills bus, facilitated by project partner Runway Training, will tour around Kent so that people who find it difficult to attend open days at colleges can find out more about the skills needed for the new jobs where it’s convenient for them.
In November last year, East Kent Colleges Group, MidKent College and North Kent College were jointly awarded ÂŁ5 million of government funding through the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF). The funding was awarded to support development of innovative training in sustainable construction, the digitalisation of healthcare, and the transition of experienced professionals into teaching to pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation. The Skills bus will promote education and courses to each area to reach as many people as possible and is equally available to young people and parents keen to discuss study options after GCSEs.
Graham Razey, Chief Executive Officer at East Kent Colleges Group – leading on the digitalisation of healthcare project, said: “Across our Group we’ve always had a firm commitment to playing a leading role in developing the social and economic prosperity of the diverse communities we serve. This skills bus will give us direct access straight into these communities, ensuring that we’re able to inspire action to develop the skills needed by employers in our locality. We’re working collaboratively with more employers than ever before, ensuring that those who engage with the skills bus get the best possible opportunities to achieve their ambitions in the career pathway of their choice.”  
MidKent College are leading the partnership’s focus on Sustainable Construction. Chris Hare, Deputy Chief Executive said: “Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce completed an incredibly detailed piece of work to identify areas of business growth here in Kent and Medway, and the skills that we’ll need to realise those ambitions. Together, the Kent Colleges have demonstrated that we’re in a brilliant position to help meet those needs and help local people develop the skills and knowledge that will help forward-thinking businesses across the South-East to thrive. The Skills Bus is a great way to spread what is a really positive and optimistic message about the transformational power of education and training, and we hope to see as many people visit us as possible to discuss their options’.
Mark Andrews, Deputy Executive Principal - Curriculum & Strategy at North Kent College, who are leading the college effort to help the transition from industry to teaching, said: “The Kent and Medway local skills improvement plan is all about raising the profile of careers in the sectors most in need of skilled talent, ensuring that training is delivering these skills, and connecting employers with students and educators. The skills bus will communicate how we are modernising the curriculum in partnership with employers. Colleges have benefited from generous investment in the priority sectors in Healthcare, Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing and in Low Carbon Construction and we will be showcasing the cutting-edge technology used in our new curriculum, and the fabulous career opportunities made possible by business and education collaborations."
Oliver Trailor, managing director of Runway Training, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Kent college groups to provide the bus service and tour Kent and Medway. We look forward to welcoming visitors on to the bus to meet with our college partners and find out more about the LSIF funded projects, wider skills provision, and lifelong learning opportunities”.
