Workforce

Shepway prides itself on having a flexible and adaptable workforce and has a history of stable employer-employee relations. There is a high proportion of skilled and semi-skilled labour in the district with a variety of qualifications and experience.

Average wages in Shepway are amongst the lowest in South East England, which offers real benefits in terms of a quality workforce at extremely competitive rates for companies relocating in the district.

Shepway District Council understands the importance of supporting development of the local workforce and consequently promotes the concept of lifetime learning with the following partners:

• Job Centre Plus
• University of Kent at Canterbury
• South Kent College
• Local schools

Job Centre Plus

Shepway District Council has a close working relationship with Job Centre Plus and together we assist companies looking to recruit additional staff by helping to match skills to employers' requirements.

Job Centre Plus can be contacted on 01303 713800.

University of Kent at Canterbury

Currently the nearest university to Shepway, Kent offers businesses access to the University's laboratories, technicians and scientists at competitive rates. The University is a source of graduate recruitment with over 1600 students graduating each year, in addition to those who return to Kent from other Universities around the country.

South Kent College

South Kent College has a campus in Folkestone which offers a wide range of courses from GCSE to degree access courses in a variety of formats. The European Business and Language Centre also forms part of the college, offering local businesses training in European trading and languages.

Local schools

Shepway is home to a variety of independent, grammar and secondary schools as well as 34 primary schools. A successful Shepway Education Business Partnership liaises with these schools on a number of initiatives such as arranging work experience placements for pupils.