EKC Group hosts ‘Let’s Make it Work’ event in collaboration with Wire Belt

‘Let’s Make it Work’ is a campaign launched in May 2026 by the Kent and Medway Careers Hub, with the aim of increasing local Kent industry’s engagement and access to the talent pipeline, meeting skills, and recruitment challenges, now and into the future.

Banding together to increase the momentum and reach of the initiative Wire Belt, Kent and Medway Careers Hub, and EKC Group are applying a three-pronged approach which showcases credible success stories of real business gains resulting from work experience and apprenticeships; streamlined onboarding process support for busy SME leaders; Kent-region-wide networks and guidance on new government-backed funding opportunities for businesses seeking to get started or increase their involvement in this field.

The first meeting of the forum – hosted on 13 October at Wire Belt’s manufacturing plant in Sittingbourne – included a detailed interactive site tour demonstrating automation techniques, discussion on approaches to work experience and apprenticeships, and a Q&A session with a talented apprentice who is currently aiding in the design and implementation of the next generation of automation at the site.

In attendance were representatives from local companies including Azets, Adam Rouilly, FloPlast, Gent’s Garage, and PT Electrical each interested in hearing about best practice, ways to engage in nurturing talent in the younger generation, increase the number of businesses offering work experience and apprenticeship opportunities to students, and developing strategies for long-term social prosperity to meet business demand, productivity and innovation.

One of the attendees from Gent’s Garage, Sittingbourne commented: “It was refreshing to hear shared experiences, as well as creative solutions to the common barriers that small, independent businesses face.”

This marks the beginning of a new source of insights for local industry to hear from a company well-versed in the field, share their experience and expectations, and help future-proof their businesses through discovering new avenues to drive better talent recruitment and retention.

We look forward to continuing this journey together and welcoming more businesses at the next meeting.”