A PROJECT to reinvigorate the east Kent economy could be at risk without a significant boost to post-16 education in Thanet and Dover.

That is the concern highlighted in latest research by the Learning and Skills Council for Kent and Medway, which underlines the high percentage of local jobs with low or intermediate skills levels.

The report says: "Thanet and Dover both perform poorly relative to national comparisons. Dover ranks in the bottom 20% of local authority areas for the quality of its workforce. Thanet is in the bottom 40%."

The report also says that the Thanet and Dover economies are currently underdeveloped in respect of knowledge-based industries and warns that skills levels must be increased to meet national and international competition.

The LSC report is part of a strategic area review of 16-19 education and training covering school sixth forms, colleges of further education, and work-based learning providers.

It is one of a series being undertaken across Kent and Medway. After initial research and discussion, options for improvement will be drawn up for consultation. The review will be completed by the end of the year.

Trevor Sandford, programme director, said : "Working with partners we have to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills and attributes to allow them to take full advantage of new opportunities.

"Schools and colleges are very aware of the challenges ahead and there are some imaginative projects underway.

“We need to build further on this work and we will be working with stakeholders and partners to draw up a wide range of options."