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The Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029 has published its dedicated Creative Industries Sector Skills Plan, setting out the skills priorities and actions needed to support the future growth of one of the region’s most innovative and fast-evolving sectors.
Kent and Medway’s creative industries support around 20,800 jobs and contribute approximately £1.2 billion to the local economy. The sector encompasses digital and media, screen production, performing and visual arts, design, advertising and architecture, with nationally recognised assets including Maidstone Studios and Chatham Historic Dockyard playing an important role in the region’s creative ecosystem.
Despite these strengths, the sector remains under-represented when compared with national averages and faces several workforce challenges. Employers report shortages in technical production roles such as lighting, sound, stage management and digital production, alongside growing demand for animation, visual effects, immersive technologies, AI-enabled workflows and wider digital skills.
The sector is also characterised by a high proportion of freelancers and micro-businesses, creating additional challenges around recruitment, training, progression and access to professional development. Employers have highlighted the need for stronger commercial skills, improved job readiness and clearer pathways into paid work.
Key Priorities for the Creative Industries
The Creative Industries Sector Plan identifies a number of priorities that will help strengthen workforce capacity and support future growth:
Turning Priorities into Action
The plan sets out a coordinated programme of activity designed to improve access to creative careers and strengthen the talent pipeline across the region. A key focus will be expanding paid routes into employment through apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, placements and employer-led projects, helping more people gain practical experience and build sustainable careers in the sector.
The plan also supports the development of technical pathways linked to live events, screen industries and digital production, ensuring learners gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and working on real-world briefs.
Alongside this, employers and providers will work together to embed digital and creative technology skills across training provision, helping the workforce keep pace with emerging technologies such as AI, immersive content creation, animation and visual effects.
Recognising the freelance nature of much of the sector, the plan also includes actions to strengthen commercial awareness, business development, project management and leadership skills, supporting creative businesses and freelancers to grow and thrive.
Employer Perspective
Jo Nolan, Chair, Creative Kent & CEO, Screen South said:
“We welcome this excellent news by the Kent & Medway LSIP team. Local Skills Improvement Plans are so vital for industries across Kent & Medway as they are based on actual evidence from employers across Kent. The ever-developing landscape of Digital and Creative industries needs skills plans that are delivered in partnership with industry and with clear pathways to work experience and jobs. We look forward to seeing this renewed approach taken forward.”
Looking Ahead
The Creative Industries Sector Plan provides a roadmap for strengthening one of Kent and Medway’s most important growth sectors. By improving entry routes, expanding technical and digital skills, supporting freelancers and SMEs, and building stronger links between industry and education, the plan aims to create a more resilient and productive creative workforce.
Get Involved
The success of the Creative Industries Sector Plan relies on ongoing employer engagement. Whether you can offer placements, apprenticeships, industry projects, mentoring, curriculum input or support careers activities, your involvement can help shape the future creative workforce across Kent and Medway.
To find out more about the Creative Industries Sector Plan or opportunities to support delivery of the LSIP priorities, please contact the Kent & Medway LSIP team at lsip@kentinvictachamber.co.uk.
Read the full Creative Industries Sector Plan below and explore the wider Kent & Medway LSIP 2026–2029 on the LSIP website here.
