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The Kent & Medway LSIP 2023 sets out a clear, strategic roadmap to address regional skills gaps and workforce shortages, fostering greater collaboration and joint initiatives across the area. It builds on the momentum of the 2022 trailblazer LSIP, as well as insights from the Kent & Medway Employment Taskforce and other regional skills analyses.
The Kent & Medway Progress Report 2024, published in September 2024, showcased significant developments since the LSIP’s launch and highlighted the central role of employer engagement in shaping the skills agenda.
Continuing this trajectory, the 2025 Progress Report, released in June 2025, reaffirms the region’s sustained commitment to addressing skills challenges and driving inclusive economic growth. It demonstrates strengthened collaboration between employers, educators, and stakeholders and outlines tangible progress across the LSIP’s five priority sectors:
– Manufacturing & Engineering
– Construction
– Fresh Food & Food Production
– Education
– Health and Social Care
Key Achievements and Focus Areas:
Tackling Skills Gaps – Notable progress has been made in identifying and addressing critical workforce shortages in priority sectors, with targeted interventions led by sector-specific insights.
Driving Future Development –The LSIP continues to prioritise upskilling, reskilling, and employer-informed curriculum development to futureproof the regional workforce.
Championing Collaboration – Developed in partnership with employers, training providers, and other stakeholders, the LSIP embeds strategic themes such as digital innovation, green skills, decarbonisation, and SME engagement.
Forward Priorities:
Strengthen Strategic Collaboration Across Sectors – The LSIP will deepen industry-education partnerships through sustained dialogue, formal networks, and joint initiatives to ensure sector-led planning and impactful curriculum delivery.
Align Workforce Development with Sector Demands – Efforts will focus on flexible, modular training aligned with employer priorities, alongside initiatives like Bootcamps, apprenticeships, and curriculum reform to meet evolving skills needs.
Support Career Pathways and Address Recruitment Challenges – Targeted initiatives will enhance careers education, promote inclusive pathways into priority sectors, and address educator shortages through innovative recruitment and retention models.
Embed Green and Digital Skills Across Priority Sectors – By integrating sustainability and digital competencies across sectors, the LSIP aims to futureproof the workforce and ensure training reflects broader environmental and technological shifts.
Empower SMEs and Respond to Regional Infrastructure Developments – SMEs will be supported with clearer access to skills information and guidance, while regional projects like the Lower Thames Crossing will be leveraged to drive skills planning and employer engagement.
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