A LOW skills base in Ashford and Shepway has been highlighted in research as a potential barrier to growth and threat to job seekers’ prospects.

Research commissioned by the Learning & Skills Council for Kent and Medway shows 32% of businesses in the area already find skills shortages are damaging their competitiveness.

More than half said skills shortages could lose them business to competitors, increase costs or cause customer service to suffer.

The research report says: "It is important that the low skills base of the area does not become the 'Achilles heel' of Ashford and Shepway in attempts to improve economic performance.

"Although it is possible that workers from out of the area could help ease this problem, local people need to be given the ability to grasp these opportunities.

"Both young men and women in Ashford and Shepway have lower qualifications

levels than the Kent and Medway and regional average.

“The low qualification levels of young people, often combined with basic and key

skills deficiencies, will put them at a disadvantage when competing for the

new job opportunities.

"Large efforts will be required to encourage a learning culture in Ashford and Shepway in all age groups, as the data suggests that learning has a direct effect on the chances of securing stable employment for life."

The Learning & Skills Council (LSC) for Kent and Medway commissioned the research as part of a Strategic Area Review (StAR) of the education and training provision for 16-19 year olds in Ashford and Shepway.

The review will identify and agree areas for improvement and development and is one of a series being undertaken across the county.

It will cover school sixth forms, colleges and work-based learning.

After initial research and discussion, options for improvement will be

drawn up for consultation. The review will be completed by Autumn 2004.

StARs Programme Director Trevor Sandford said that the Learning & Skills

Council would be working closely with Ashford Borough Council, Shepway

District Council, Kent County Council and other partners in reviewing education and training for young people.

He said: "Ashford and Shepway face an exciting future with many new opportunities. There is much excellent work already being undertaken by local schools, colleges and training providers and a number of imaginative proposals are being made for the future.

"There is clearly a need for a further development of, and improvement in,

local education and training. This review will give us an opportunity to work with local partners to establish an agreed way forward.

"In particular we need to ensure that growth plans have a fully integrated

approach with ring-fenced investment for improved education and skills."