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Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026–2029
The new Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029 has now been published, setting out the skills priorities that will help shape the future workforce of Kent and Medway over the next three years.
Developed by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce in its role as the designated Employer Representative Body, the LSIP brings together extensive employer engagement, labour market intelligence and partner insight to identify the skills challenges and opportunities facing the region. The plan has been approved by the Secretary of State and provides a clear employer-led framework for aligning education and training provision with the needs of the local economy.
A Plan Driven by Employer Need
At its heart, the LSIP is focused on ensuring that employers have access to the skills and talent they need to grow, innovate and remain competitive. The plan highlights the workforce challenges facing many sectors, including recruitment difficulties, skills shortages, changing technology, an ageing workforce and the growing importance of sustainability.
The LSIP identifies six priority sectors where skills challenges and opportunities are most significant:
Alongside these sector priorities, the plan also recognises the strategic importance of Ports, Transport and Logistics and Health and Life Sciences as emerging areas which will continue to be monitored through future LSIP activity.
Five Cross-Cutting Themes
While workforce needs vary across sectors, employers consistently highlighted several challenges that cut across the economy. The LSIP therefore focuses on five key themes that will underpin delivery:
English, Maths and Employability Skills
Employers continue to place a high value on communication, professional behaviours, problem solving, reliability and workplace readiness.
Digital and AI Capability
As digital technology and artificial intelligence become increasingly embedded across industries, employers highlighted the importance of developing both basic and advanced digital skills.
Net Zero and Decarbonisation
Sustainability is becoming a core requirement across many occupations, with businesses needing employees who understand low-carbon practices and technologies.
FE Workforce Capacity
The availability of industry-current tutors and trainers remains a significant factor in ensuring providers can respond effectively to employer demand.
SME Engagement
With more than 90% of Kent and Medway businesses classified as micro businesses, making skills support accessible and easy to engage with is critical to the success of the local skills system.
Turning Evidence into Action
The LSIP goes beyond identifying challenges by setting out a series of agreed actions for employers, education providers, local authorities and strategic partners. These actions include:
The plan also places a strong emphasis on collaboration, recognising that meaningful change can only be achieved through continued partnership working between employers, education providers and wider stakeholders.
Supporting Economic Growth Across Kent and Medway
The LSIP aligns with wider local and national priorities, including economic growth, productivity, workforce participation and inclusive opportunity. It provides a shared framework for partners across Kent and Medway to work towards a more responsive, agile and employer-led skills system.
By focusing on the skills employers need today, and in the future, the LSIP aims to support business growth, improve career opportunities for residents and ensure the region is well positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of a changing economy.
Download the Kent & Medway LSIP and Supporting Annexes
The full Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026–2029, together with supporting annexes, can be downloaded below:
Together, these documents provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence, priorities and actions that will help shape the future workforce of Kent and Medway between 2026 and 2029.
Read the documents below and explore how employers, education providers and partners can work together to build a skilled, productive and resilient workforce for Kent and Medway.
If you would like to get involved, please email lsip@kentinvictachamber.co.uk
