Cover Feature | Education & Skills

Farm workers, especially in seasonal roles such as fruit pickers and packers, are in short supply. This is due to the seasonal nature of agriculture work combined with Brexit-related immigration restrictions meaning fewer workers from the EU coming to Kent to fill these positions. This has created difficulty in harvesting crops on time resulting in potential food waste and financial losses for farmers.

Digital and Tech Skills

The rapid pace of digital transformation and the need for tech solutions have created a demand for professionals with the right skills, but there is a gap between the supply and demand for IT professionals, software developers and cyber security experts in Kent. As businesses increasingly rely on digital technologies, the shortage of skilled tech workers can hinder their ability to innovate and compete in the workplace.

Education and Teaching

There is a shortage of teachers nationally, and Kent is no exception, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects as well as special education teachers. The pressures of the job, relatively low pay and workload challenges have contributed to fewer people entering the profession. This shortage can lead to larger class sizes, increased stress for current teachers and challenges in delivering a high-quality education.

Engineering and Manufacturing

There is a shortage of engineers, especially in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing. The demand for skilled engineers has risen with the growing importance of innovation in sectors such as aerospace, renewable energy, and technology, however, there is a gap in the number of engineers with the necessary skills and qualifications.

Solving the skills gap

• Apprenticeships and training: Encouraging more apprenticeships and vocational training can help bridge the skills gap, particularly in sectors like construction and healthcare.

• Collaboration with education providers: More collaboration between local employers and colleges/universities can help to ensure that the skills taught align with the needs of local industries.

• Attracting talent: Initiatives aimed at attracting skilled workers from other parts of the UK or internationally could help fill vacancies, particularly in sectors such as tech and healthcare.

There are several initiatives and strategies aimed at addressing skills shortages in Kent. These focus on supporting education, training, recruitment and collaboration between businesses, local authorities and education providers. They include the Kent and Medway Skills Commission, Kent Apprenticeship Scheme with Kent County Council, the University of Kent and Kent Business School, Medway Skills Network, the Kent and Medway Growth Hub, the Workforce Development Fund (WDF), and the East Kent College Group.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the advantages, there are still challenges when it comes to apprenticeships in the area such as awareness, access to funding and retention once apprentices have completed their programmes. With increasing support from Local Government, businesses and educational institutions, more apprenticeships are becoming available across a variety of sectors. By focusing on both technical and soft skills, apprenticeships provide an invaluable tool for addressing skills shortages and promoting economic growth in the region.

What businesses in Kent

think:

Alice Monk, Director of Communications at All Health Matters says: “The rising cost of employing people has been a challenge, but it’s also highlighted the importance of investing in the people you already have. We have noticed more employers spending their budgets on health promotion and awareness, recognising how valuable a healthy, engaged workforce is. Occupational Health can make a big difference here, particularly with complex sickness absence and return-to-work cases.

“At the same time, some of our clients are feeling the pinch –sadly, we’ve seen a few close their doors due to rising costs. It’s a balancing act, but our approach has always been to offer only what’s needed and, where appropriate, direct clients to other professionals like employment law or H&S specialists. Collaboration is key in tough times, and we believe Kent businesses can work together to support each other.”

Alice is pleased to see Government initiatives such as Skills England to address skills shortages, but she believes “there’s room to do more”.

“In the OH sector, the shortage of trained OH nurses and doctors remains a challenge, but the Society of Occupational Medicine is leading efforts to address this,” she adds.

“It’s important to ensure there is enough support available for the working population to access quality occupational health services.

“We’ve found success in opening our doors to medical professionals interested in transitioning to Occupational Health. Our shadowing schemes have allowed doctors to explore the field, and several now work with us regularly. These opportunities aren’t just good for the individuals – they help ensure businesses have access to the quality OH services they need. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to working with local businesses to support health and wellbeing, even as costs and challenges rise.”

Graham Clewes Director of Quality, Curriculum and Compliance, Mainstream Group, an independent training provider, says: “As an SME ourselves, as well as a training provider which works closely with business and the public sector, we know very well some of the challenges in the economy right now. We have two views about the recent Budget and Government spending announcements. As an employer, the increase in National Insurance contributions, of course, represents an increase in costs when funding and contract values for delivering our vital work have not increased.