Employment and training prospects in Dover will be boosted after East Kent College bid for a share in funds from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).

The £1,186,750 cash injection will provide new training equipment, enable refurbishment and an extension of the campus in Maison Dieu Road.

SELEP chairman Peter Jones said: "Improving skills is a key priority for us and our partners. "I’m delighted to see colleges are focusing on the skills needs of business and their communities, and in the case of Dover it will support local engineering, logistics and service companies.

“The success of the Dover bid should be celebrated as it will have a direct impact not only on the lives of the individual students, but also the long term success of the local economy.”

SELEP has £18m in the pot to reduce skills shortages and support growth industries.

MP Charlie Elphicke said: “Having campaigned hard for more investment in skills in east Kent, this is great news. SELEP has done a great job securing funds to support our community.

“Since East Kent College has moved into Dover its team has actively engaged with local employers, big and small, to understand what skills are needed.

"This should have a very positive long-term impact on the economy of the town and neighbouring communities as a result of this new funding.”

An estimated 1,005 (81%) of the 1,241 16-18-year-old students currently seek further education outside of the district.

Graham Razey, principal of EKC, said: “Since taking over the campuses at Dover and Folkestone from the former K College, we have worked closely with local employers, such as Dover Harbour Board and others, to fully understand their priorities and needs in terms of skills for the future.

“This funding will help us to deliver on our promise of supporting our important coastal communities, and transforming the lives of the area’s young people.' - Principal Graham Razey

“This funding will help us to deliver on our promise of supporting our important coastal communities, and transforming the lives of the area’s young people,too many of whom have become disenfranchised from education, skills and training.”

Cllr Paul Watkins, leader of Dover District Council, said: “We’re delighted that East Kent College is investing in their Dover campus.

“East Kent College is doing a great job in refocusing vocational training in the district to provide new opportunities for young people to learn the skills that our local employers need.”