New website provides training pathways for jobs of the future

Young people and those looking to re-train for the jobs of the future can access a new website developed by Dover District Council and East Kent College to provide clear pathways into vocational training, apprenticeships, and further and higher education. Planning is also underway for the first ever Dover Skills Fair at Dover Town Hall on Thursday, 19 November (12 - 6pm).

The new website - www.skills4dover.co.uk - focuses on high growth industries and local employers within the Dover District, including life sciences and biotech, engineering, construction, computing and IT, maritime, travel and tourism, motor vehicle engineering, hairdressing and hospitality.

The launch of the new website coincides with the growing momentum behind regeneration and development projects across the district, which is set to create 3,000 new jobs over the next five years. This includes the prominence of Discovery Park in Sandwich as a global hub for science and technology, the development of the Betteshanger Sustainable Parks near Deal, and town centre and waterfront regeneration in Dover, including the Western Docks Revival.

There has also been massive investment in new training facilities, including a £2.9 million investment by East Kent College in its Dover campus, and a new science curriculum at Discovery Park in Sandwich. Viking Recruitment in Dover is also building a £6.5 million Maritime Skills Academy.

Cllr Keith Morris, Portfolio Holder for Skills, Dover District Council, said: "We want local people to benefit from the jobs that will be created through our growth agenda. It's often confusing for people to find their way through the maze of training and education opportunities. We've designed this website so that people can easily find local options that will help them gain the skills of the future."

Paul Sayers, Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships, East Kent College, said: "This new website shows just how well local colleges, universities and training providers have geared their courses to meet the skills needs of local industry. We're delighted to be working in partnership with Dover District Council and employers to ensure that local people are first off the blocks when it comes to new jobs."