Kent employers are continuing to feel the impact of the national skills shortage, with many businesses reporting difficulties recruiting people with the right technical, digital and employability expertise.
Twenty-seven per cent of all UK vacancies are classed as skills‑shortage vacancies – roles employers struggle to fill due to a lack of suitably skilled applicants.
The UK’s digital skills gap is estimated to cost the economy £63 billion per year. 7.5 million UK adults (18 per cent) lack essential digital skills needed for work, according to national digital skills tracking.
Meanwhile, 46 per cent of UK businesses struggle to recruit for roles requiring data and digital skills, highlighting shortages in areas such as design software, data analysis, and digital content creation.
As the county’s economy grows, demand for an expert local workforce is increasing, making collaboration between employers, education and training providers more important than ever to develop talent and secure future growth.
How can employers help tackle the skills shortage?
Upskill your workforce
Short courses and accredited training can help your employees develop fresh knowledge, increase productivity and progress within your business. Explore adult training opportunities through your local college or visit the EKC Training website to see what support is available.
Invest in apprenticeships
Hiring an apprentice allows you to create a sustainable pipeline of future talent. Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and can be trained to meet your specific requirements. Visit ekctraining.ac.uk to start your apprenticeship journey.
Work with local education providers
Employers play a vital role in shaping the future workforce. By working with local colleges, you can influence curriculum design to ensure learners develop the expertise your business needs now, and in the future. Across EKC Group, we work closely with employers to support the next generation of skilled workers.
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