Learning and skills – Swale’s priority

Up to 3,000 students from secondary schools across Swale will be attending the first ever Swale Skills and Careers event on Thursday 11 March 2010.

In the region of 70 employers and learning providers will be at the event at the Woodstock Club on the Kent Science Park between 10 am and 4.30 pm.

The purpose of the event is to inspire local people and showcase the breadth of opportunities for learning and employment that are available to Swale residents, and in particular young people, both now and into the future. The national and local economy are going through a transition, with changing markets and technologies impacting upon the skills that people need for work. This is an opportunity to showcase what is on offer, not just in the Borough, but beyond as well.

Councillor Mike Cosgrove, Swale Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Performance and Finance, Learning and skills, said “Learning and skills is the number one regeneration priority of Swale Borough Council. We want to improve access to learning and skills opportunities for people in Swale and make the all important link between this and the type of employment that is available both now and into the future. This event will not only inspire but also provide information, advice and guidance to young people and adults about the opportunities that currently exist and that will exist in the future. This can only be of benefit to those that attend and to the Borough.

“The area has traditionally had a strong industrial base and while this remains important to the local economy we live in changing times. Local people want to see what is happening locally and understand the skills they will need into the future and how they can access the right training.”

The current plan for the day is that there will be two periods in which students from local secondary schools will attend to participate in workshops at interactive stands and to speak to employers and learning providers that are present. These will be held between 10 am and 12 noon and 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm. After 2.30 pm there will be a session for the public at large to attend. There is no need to register to attend, just come along at the time specified.