Education driving business

We have three universities nearby – the University of Kent,  Canterbury Christ Church University at Canterbury, and the University of Greenwich at Medway, and all are attracting a growing student population. This is creating a strong knowledge-driven graduate base which offers employers excellent recruitment potential, as well as opportunities for partnership to explore how research and innovation can support business growth.

For workforce skills and training, Folkestone has considerable Further Education provision at East Kent College and nearby Hadlow College in Ashford both of which also provide Higher Education courses. East Kent College is revamping its Shorncliffe Road campus, with contributions from Folkestone and Hythe District Council. The college recently received five ‘outstanding’ gradings in an Ofsted inspection. It offers first-class education to suit all needs and has an extensive apprenticeship programme. It is keen to engage with employers to make sure our young people have the skills employers need and offers bespoke workforce training for individual employers.

Find out more about East Kent College’s Apprenticeship Programme

Folkestone has two of the best achieving grammar schools in Kent, the Harvey Grammar School and the Folkestone School for Girls, plus there are academies and a performing arts and technology college

View the success of Folkestone Primary Academy regeneration:

Graduate and research opportunities for business

There are many opportunities for businesses to tap into the graduate pool at local universities. You can bring graduates into your business through placements for up to a year or by simply providing work experience and internships. Employing a university student can be a cost effective investment and offers an opportunity to try out a potential employee of graduate calibre on a short-term, fixed contract basis. Many of the undergraduate programmes which involve working with employers are accredited, offering students additional qualifications and skills.

There are also Knowledge Transfer Partnerships which enable businesses to link with universities to utilise their research capabilities. This may be to develop a new product or explore a new means of delivering a service.

Learn more about the knowledge transfer partnerships opportunities available by watching this video:

For more information about what local universities have to offer employers, see the details and links below

Canterbury Christ Church University: contact Amanda Monteiro, Professional Placements & Accreditations Manager; email: amanda.monteiro@canterbury.ac.uk; telephone: 01227 782928

University of Kent: contact Marcus Wright, Enterprise Manager; email: m.j.wright@kent.ac.uk; telephone: 01227 824593

University of Greenwich: email: enterprise@gre.ac.uk; telephone:020 8331 8000

Kent and Medway Skills Commission

Kent County Council’s Skills and Employability team has set up a series of sector based employer Guilds in an attempt to build and enhance connections between education and training providers and employers.

To find future skilled employees contact the following agencies: