A scheme designed to boost Kent’s skilled workforce has won praise from the new Minister for Skills.

The Local Skills Improvement Plan is designed to bridge the gap between education and industry to ensure a flow of skilled workers to meet the needs of the county’s economy.

First launched in 2022, it is one of 38 in the country - all of which are funded by central government.

The praise follows the publication of the annual progress report on the scheme by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

It highlighted how more than £8 million of investment has been made to support skills, education and training programmes to meet the specific demands of local industry. It makes Kent and Medway one of the most successful regions in the UK.

Minister Jacqui Smith - former Home Secretary under Gordon Brown and now Baroness Smith of Malvern - said: “I welcome the publication of the Local Skills Improvement Plan progress report for Kent and Medway.

“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 LSIP and its partners support key industries across Kent and Medway, including construction, manufacturing, health and social care, food and food production and education.

Tudor Price, chief executive 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 is a testament to the close cooperation and collaboration with businesses and our stakeholders.”