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Kent County Council Ashford – Local Labour Market Information Produced by Kent County Council’s 14-19 Innovation Team Lead Officer – Rob Williamson

Contents 1. Introduction 2. Executive summary 3. Analysis of the district economy and employment patterns

• The jobs that local residents do including those who commute out of the district, how this has changed in recent years and how industry in the district has changed since 1998.

• District plans for economic growth. 4. Economic Development and Sector Skills Strategies in Kent.

• An analysis of Kent’s economic strategy document ‘ Unlocking Kent’s Potential – a framework for regeneration’, January 2009.

5. An analysis of apprenticeships provision in Kent

• The take up of apprenticeships across Kent.

1. Introduction

In order to support young people and their parents/carers make informed choices about their future careers, the 14-19 Innovation Team of Kent County Council have produced a series of local labour information packs. There is one for each of the twelve districts and an overarching analysis of the Kent economy. This pack will be of most help for:

• Those considering entering employment at 16, as it identifies the sectors that offer the most employment opportunities and enables estimates to be made regarding future prospects.

• Those who are considering employment after a period of post 16 education as it can inform their choice of course(s) at sixth form and or FE college.

• Those considering an apprenticeship.

• Those looking at employment beyond this district, including those considering Higher Education who may in the future commute out of the district.

The data used in this analysis preceded the current economic down turn and the cuts to public spending following the 2010 strategic spending review. This document will be updated in 2012 when data reflecting the impact will have been collected.

2. Executive Summary Designated by the Government as a growth area, a £2.5 billion investment programme is under way to provide 31,000 new homes and 28,000 jobs by 2031. The total population of Ashford is approximately 112,000 residents. Total employment in Ashford is approximately 49,500 people. The unemployment rate is currently (October 2010) 2.4%, compared to the KCC average of 2.8%.1 The approximate make up of the business sector in Ashford, by number of employees, is described in table 1 below. Table 1: Industry sector by number of employees: Industry Sector2 2008 % Agriculture, Fishing, Mining, Electricty/Gas/Water 1,500 3.0 Manufacturing 5,400 10.9 Construction 2,600 5.3 Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal and household goods 10,300 20.8 Hotels and restaurants 3,300 6.7 Transport, storage and communication 4,000 8.1 Financial intermediation 1,000 2.0 Real estate, renting and business activities 7,400 14.9 Public administration and defence; compulsory social security 1,400 2.8 Education 3,800 7.7 Health and social work 6,800 13.7 Other community, social and personal service activities 2,100 4.2 All Industries 49,500 100

The largest employment sectors in Ashford are: Public services (24% of employees or 11,900 jobs); 3 Retail and distribution (20% of employees or 9,600 jobs); Business services (15% of employees or 7,300 jobs); Manufacturing (11% of employees or 5,400 jobs); Transport and Communications (9% of employees or 4,000 jobs), Ashford has a buoyant economy with a number of large companies based in the Borough. However it also has a relatively high percentage of companies employing between 1 and 4 employees, which is illustrated in table 2 below. Table 2: Breakdown of Ashford employers by size: Firms by size band4 2008 %

1 Source: KCC monthly unemployment statistics November 2010.

2 Source: ONS data November 2010

3 Source: Shared Intelligence - Ashford Strategic Economic Framework

1-4 4,200 73.7 5-10 800 14.0 11-24 400 7.0 25-99 300 5.3 100+ 100 1.8 All Firms 5,700 100.0

The largest employers (by employee size and/or turnover) in Ashford include: Brake Bros (over 9000 employees in the UK in 70 locations): Ashford is Brake Bros headquarters. Premier Foods: Employs 380 staff in Ashford in dried food production. Coty: Manufacturer of a range of cosmetic brands including Rimmel London employs approximately 1,550 staff. Givaudan: Manufacturing fragrances for consumer products including detergents, bathroom liquids and toothpastes, with 660 employees. Abgene Thermo Fisher Scientific: Precision plastic injection moulding at its centre of excellence for plastics and toolmaking in Ashford. Hitachi Rail: 50 Employees at the Ashford Train Maintenance Centre, Southeastern Rail Stagecoach: Primary operator of the bus service in East Kent (including Ashford Borough). Houchin: One of the foremost names in the manufacture of Ground Support Equipment to airlines, the aviation industry and military forces around the world. Ashford Designer Outlet: 600 employees on site Care/nursing homes: Over 300 employees are based at 3 organisations – Ashminster House, Singleton Nursing Home and Opus Care. Schools: Schools employ over 1,300. Ashford Borough Council: Employs 526 staff. Ashford Primary Care Trust employs 750 staff at William Harvey Hospital, East Kent Medical Services and a number of smaller medical centres.

4 Source: KCC district profile data

3. Detailed analysis of the district economy and employment patterns This section has been broken into the following five sections :

3.1. Occupations of Ashford residents (including those who may live in Ashford but work elsewhere) and Kent residents.

3.2 Percentage change by Occupation 2006-2010.

3.3 Industry change 1998-2008 – The number of people working in each industry in the district, including those who may travel to Ashford to work. 3.4 Local Development Priorities. 3.5 Future Growth.

Percentage shares by Occupation 2010

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3.1. Occupations of Ashford residents (including those who live in Ashford but work elsewhere) 2010 Introduction The graph below shows the occupations of Ashford and Kent residents, including those who may not work in Ashford. The occupations are grouped under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). Large groupings have been used to ensure the whole population is covered; however, more specific data is available and has been used in later analysis. A brief description of the SOC groupings is supplied.

Source: Annual population Survey 2010, supplied by Research and Intelligence, Kent County Council Standard Occupational Classifications

• Skilled trades occupations are those that usually require a substantial period of training often provided in a work based environment and can include: agriculture, metal and electrical, vehicle repair, construction, textiles and printing.

• Personal service occupations usually require a good general standard of general and vocational education and can include: social care, health care, animal care, leisure, tourism, hair and sport.

• Sales and customer service occupations are those that may require a general level of education and interpersonal skills and can include retail sales and customer service.

• Process, plant and machine operatives usually require no formal qualifications but are associated with formal experience related training and can include: process, plant, assembly, construction and driving.

• Elementary occupations are those that do not require formal education or qualifications and can include: agriculture, construction, process, storage, admin, cleaning, security and sales

Percentage change by Occupation 2006 - 2010

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3.2 Occupation change trends in Ashford residents (including those who may live in Ashford but work elsewhere) 2006 – 2010 The graph below shows the percentage of change by occupation 2006-2010. It can be used to identify sectors showing upward and downward employment trends for Ashford and Kent residents. Where there has been significant change a more detail break down of sector has been supplied. Graph 2 – Percentage change by occupation 2006-2010 Source: Annual population Survey 2010, supplied by Research and Intelligence, Kent County Council

Main findings

• There are five areas of growth: personal services, elementary occupations, managers & senior officials, professional occupations and sales & customer services

• The largest sub section of personal services is caring and personal services which employs 7.3% of Ashford residents, followed by leisure and other personal services with employs 3.1% of the Ashford population. Both have grown since 2006

• The largest sub section of elementary occupations is administration which employs 8.6% of Ashford residents, followed by trades, plant & storage occupations which employs 3.1% of Ashford residents.

Detailed breakdown of main growth sectors Personal Service Occupations In March 2010, 7.3% of Ashford residents were employed in Caring & Personal services and 3.1% employed in leisure and other personal services Elementary occupations In March 2010, 8.6% of Ashford residents were employed in elementary administration & services and 3.1% in elementary trades, plant & storage. Source: Annual population Survey 2010, supplied by Research and Intelligence, Kent County Council

Industry change 1998-2008

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3.3 Industry change (SIC) 1998 -2008 – The number of people working in each industry in the district, including those who may travel to Ashford to work Introduction Graph 3 shows the numbers employed by industry in Ashford by sector and changes in number 1998-2008. It can be used to identify sectors that are either increasing or decreasing their workforce. It must be remembered that a decline in the workforce may not automatically mean a decline in the sector, but reflect changing technologies. The Standard Industry Classification (SIC) is used rather than the Standard Occupational Classification that was used in the two previous graphs.

Graph 3 Industry change in numbers employed 1998-2008

Source: The Annual Business Inquiry, supplied by Research and Intelligence, Kent County Council

Main findings of employment by industry 1998-2008

• There are eight areas of growth with Health and Social work showing the greatest increase, followed by Wholesale & Retail trade; repair of vehicles & goods.

• Other areas of increase are: construction, Hotels and restaurants; transport, storage and communications; real estate, renting and business activity; Public admin & defence; Education and Other community, social & personal service activities.

• The numbers employed in manufacturing shows a decline.

• Financial Intermediation has seen a reduction in numbers but less than manufacturing

3.4 Local Development Priorities Ashford’s strategic priorities for supporting economic development are articulated by the Ashford Local Strategic Partnership and include:

• To continue the transformation of Ashford town centre to ensure that the town meets the needs of new and existing businesses and a growing population;

• To support the development of the Elwick Place site (south of Elwick Road) and support its promotion as a major new mixed use development that will set new standards of design and sustainability, bringing new jobs, new leisure facilities and new housing to help revitalise the town centre;

• To ensure that people using the railway stations have a pleasurable experience and gain a positive impression of Ashford by providing improvements to the integration of the station with the expanding town centre;

• To work with landowners and developers to ensure that new and expanding businesses have access to a range of flexible workspaces and to provide a package of business support services to help businesses to expand and compete effectively through engagement, involvement and community ownership;

• Addressing Ashford’s skills deficit, enhancing the further and higher education offer and promoting work force development.

• To market Ashford as an attractive location for inward investment, building on the strengths within the existing economy and its

position as a transport hub;

• We will look to develop Ashford as a 21st Century town with 21st Century telecommunications infrastructure to support jobs growth and community benefits;

• To support the Tenterden Improved project to maintain the special character of the town and to enhance its appeal.

• To ensure rural development occurs in line with town centre development by working with Parish Councils in reviewing their Parish Plans and promote rural diversification and tourism opportunities

Economic Development Projects currently underway in Ashford:

Junction 9 The Junction 9/Drovers Roundabout scheme directly unlocks delivery of up to 10,000 new homes and 5,000 new jobs. Work started in June 2010 will also develop the A28 and allow expansion into Chilmington Green and Discovery Park where 7,750 of the houses will be created. Elwick Place A 2.6 hectare integrated development site. This area south of the Town Centre offers the

opportunity to create a potential mixed-use development in excess of 54,000 m² featuring retail, leisure facilities, offices and residential accommodation. Eureka Park A business park at Junctions 9 of the M20, with 300,000 sq ft of built business space with outline consent for a further 1.1 million sq ft. Businesses already based at Eureka Park include Coty, Inca, Planit, Brakes, Commidea, Invicta Foods and Eastern and Coastal PCT Victoria Way Victoria Way is a road linking the train station to the south of Ashford to the A28 and was started in June 2010, when completed in spring 2011 this scheme will support the delivery of 1,323 homes and approximately 1,100 jobs, opening up the development potential of the Southern Expansion Quarter of the town centre. Tenterden Improved Set up to support Tenterden as a visitor destination, the Tenterden Improved project includes entertainment, a summer food and music festival, the Christmas Festival and public realm improvements in the town centre.

3.5 Future Growth in Ashford Most predictions about growth in Ashford were made pre-recession and CSR. However Ashford growth will benefit from certain ongoing structural effects. These are; - from inward investment and relocations by firms attracted by Ashford’s fast rail links,

good road access and supply of available, low cost sites and premises; from growth in activities needed to support Ashford’s major housing and population growth, such as retail, leisure, catering, local government, legal; education and health services;

- from growth in businesses that will support the major housing growth and development of new employment premises, such as construction, architectural and engineering firms;

- from support services that will be set up or expand to serve a growing business community, such as hotels, design firms, IT firms, repair and maintenance activities.

By 2024, therefore, the following growth is predicted 5: - Total jobs growth of 8,000 - Transport jobs growth of 47% - Education jobs growth of 27%;6 - Health jobs growth of 44%; - Retail jobs growth of 11%; - Hotels and catering jobs growth of 22% - Construction jobs growth of 10%.

Ashford is expected to only see modest growth in business services of 4%. Manufacturing is expected to continue its long term decline of -13% in line with the rest of the South East.

5 Source: Shared Intelligence - Ashford Strategic Economic Framework

6 Subject to CSR specific impacts

4. Economic Development and Sector Skills Strategies. Introduction In January 2009 KCC published its economic regeneration strategy document “Unlocking Kent’s Potential - a framework for regeneration.” Kent is a diverse economy and “Unlocking Kent’s Potential” identifies the need for sector based strategies, to support those sectors where Kent has existing business strengths and to support new sectors with opportunities for growth. Focussing on key business sectors will raise Kent’s economic performance By determining where KCC intervention and partnership working will have the biggest impact, Regeneration and Economy Division are developing sector based strategies in the following key areas: - Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services sector (LCEGS) - Creative and Media - Health and Social Care - Construction - Land based industries. To complement this work, KCC is also developing Sector Based Skills Strategies which aim to: - Describe the current provision in Kent by key sector area. - Identify gaps in this provision. - Propose actions to address the gaps.

4.1. Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services sector (LCEGS)

Background The LCEGS Sector covers a diverse range of products, services and processes, which are summarised below: - Environmental, including air pollution control, environmental consultancy and

monitoring, contaminated land remediation, waste management, water supply and wastewater treatment, marine pollution control and recovery and recycling.

Summary of key findings

• 16-19 year olds interested in construction, engineering and agriculture need to be aware of issues of sustainability.

• Providers of these courses should respond by adding units to existing courses or stand alone courses in sustainability.

• There are a number of suitable QCF validated units that providers could consider which are listed below, at level 2.

• A full breakdown of courses at all level is contained in the main Skills Strategy document which is available from the 14-19 Innovation Team.

- Renewable energy, including wind energy generation, biomass, hydroelectricity and renewables consultancy.

- Low carbon technologies, including building technologies, alternative fuels, carbon capture and storage, non-renewable but low carbon energy (e.g. nuclear power), carbon finance and energy management.

Existing curriculum areas that support this sector include:

- construction - engineering - land based sector - conservation and environment - business - applied sciences

Provision for this sector is typified by a vast range of industry specific bespoke short courses and validated course units that meet very specific vocational needs. These are too numerous to list here but examples include:

- C&G 6125 in Thermal Insulation - ABC (500/3837/0)Converting Wind into Energy - C&G 2372 Certificate in installing and testing domestic photovoltaic systems - Nuclear Skills Academy: Nuclear Skills Passport - ABC (T/600/4981) Boiler Technology in the Renewables Industry

Kent is well served with initiatives to support employers in the sector, such as SUSCON, based in Dartford, offering bespoke short courses for employers in sustainable construction and the Enviroskills training brokerage service hosted by Business Link. The sector is very well represented at HNC/HND and degree level, and there are many progression opportunities in Kent at this level. Table 1. QCF validated level 2 units Level Awarding Body Qualification

2 ABC Converting Wind into Energy (500/3837/0)

2 ABC Converting biomass into Fuel and energy (500/3836/9)

2 ABC Converting Biomass to Energy and Power (D/500/2132)

2 ABC Fuel Supply Technology – Biomass Fuel (Y/5000/2131)

2 ABC Maintenance of Biomass Fuel Systems (H/500/2133)

2 ABC Contribute to Positive Working Relationships in the Renewables Industry (R/500/2130)

2 ABC Safe Working Practices in the Renewables Industry (Y/500/2128)

2 ABC Sustainability and the Renewables Industry (D/500/2129)

2 Edexcel Sustainability in the construction industry (L/600/0063)

All of the qualifications in Table 1 are suitable for pre and post 16 students and have a standard 6 unit structure. Planning Forums are encouraged to consider adopting this type of qualification to support the development of the sector.

4.2. Creative and Media Sector Background The Creative and Media Sector comprises 17 diverse industries or sub-sectors, each sharing a number of common themes in terms of skills requirements. The 17 sub-sectors are:

Advertising; Animation; Computer Games; Facilities (e.g. specialist studios, performance space etc); Fashion and Textiles; Film; Interactive Media; Photo imaging; Radio; TV; Craft; Cultural Heritage; Design; Literature; Music; Performing Arts and Visual Arts.

There are approximately 3,800 companies in the Creative and Media Sector in Kent, employing approximately 15,000 people. In common with the sector across the UK, 93.5% of all companies are of 1-10 employees, accounting for 6,500 employees. There is a natural cluster of companies in West Kent, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling, and Sevenoaks accounting for 40% of Kent employment in the sector. Maidstone also has a high concentration of creative businesses. In particular Maidstone Studios is a nationally significant production centre for television and hosts 20 media companies. Meridian News is broadcast from studios in Larkfield. Post recession estimates predict that the overall sector could grow by 4% per year to 2013. Kent has a large internal market of business that can use creative design services, and collective initiatives, such as Media Tree, are considered crucial to future success. One of Media Tree’s key aims is to promote training in business and marketing in the industry. The sector has two main skills needs issues:

• Business, management and leadership skills, principally due to the very large amount of self employed and contract working that typifies the sector.

• Technical skill shortages, particularly for the operation of technically specific digital technologies and platforms.

Looking at these two areas separately, the Kent curriculum could be enhanced in the following ways for 14-19 year olds:


• Kent is very well provided with courses that support the creative skills requirements of the sector. However the sector is reporting significant skills shortages in business, management and leadership skills.

• Providers of creative courses could respond by adding units to existing courses or stand alone courses to develop business skills. There are a number of suitable QCF validated units that providers could consider which are listed below, at level 2.

• A full breakdown of courses at all level is contained in the main Skills Strategy document which is available from the 14-19 Innovation Team

Table 2: Business and Management QCF validated units for the Creative and Media Sector Level Awarding Body Qualification

2 ABC Award in Skills for Business (3 credits) ABC A 7010-02

2 ABC Certificate in Skills for Business (13 credits) ABC C7010-02

2 Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Business (15 credits)

3 ABC Award in Skills for Business (3 credits) ABC A7010-03


Table 3: QCF validated units for technical skills in the Creative and Media Sector Level Awarding Body Qualification

2 EDEXCEL Award in Interactive Media (10 credits) 501/0570/X

2 EDEXCEL Certificate in Interactive Media (30 credits) 501/0569/3

2 EDEXCEL Diploma in Interactive Media (60 credits) 501/0566/8

3 ABC Award in Animation – Audio,& Video production Processes (8 credits) A 6220-03

3 ABC Certificate in Animation – Applied Animation Skills (32 credits) C6228-03

3 ABC Award in Web and Multi media (8 Credits) A6280-03

3 ABC Certificate in Web & Multimedia (32 credits) C6245-03

3 ABC Award in Graphic Design (8 credits) A6124-03

3 ABC Certificate in Graphic Design (32 credits) C6143-03

There sector is very well represented at HND/HNC, Foundation degree and degree level for progression.

4.3 Health and Social Care Sector Background The Health and Social Care Sector is necessarily large and complex. In Kent, the sector as a whole employs approximately 82,000 people in 4,100 separate units across the county. Unlike other sectors, a relatively smaller percentage of business units employ 1-10 employees (64%), and a relatively large percentage employ 10-49 (30%) and 50+ employees (6%). This is unsurprising given the size and scale of NHS and care operations across the county. The sector is divided into two areas: Health Care Sector: “Those professions dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being.” Employment in the sector is broadly made up of:

a) Consultants (including Directors of Public Health); Registrars; Other doctors in training; Hospital practitioners & clinical assistants; Senior managers and Managers and Other medical and dental staff - Approx. 8.5% of staff


• Staff turnover in the NHS, particularly jobs at NVQ Levels 2 and 3, is very significant. Although overall staff levels in the NHS won’t grow over the next ten years, replacement demand will remain large.

• The Care Sector in the South East is behind the minimum qualification standards for NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 4.

• Kent has a large number of Level 1 qualification aims being achieved in FE Colleges that are not being turned into Level 2 progressions.

b) Qualified nursing, midwifery & health visiting staff; Qualified Midwives; Qualified Health Visitors; Qualified School Nurses – Approx 29% of staff

c) Qualified Allied Health Professions; Qualified Therapeutic Radiography Staff; Qualified

Diagnostic Radiography Staff; Qualified Speech & Language Staff; Qualified Healthcare Scientists and Other qualified scientific, therapeutic & technical staff – Approx. 12% of staff

d) Qualified ambulance staff and paramedics – Approx 1.5% of staff

e) Support to clinical staff; Support to doctors & nursing staff; Support to scientific,

therapeutic & technical staff and Support to ambulance staff – Approx 29% of staff f) Central functions; Hotel, property & estates; (e.g. cleaners, domestics, kitchen and

catering assistants, hospital porters, caretakers etc.) - Approx. 20% of staff NHS trusts are significant providers of training for their own staff, with 44% of staff qualified at NVQ level 4 reporting training within any 13 week period, although this varies enormously by current qualification level. For example only 28% of staff qualified below NVQ level 2 reported receiving training within the last 13 weeks. Social Care Sector: “Those professions committed to the planning and delivery of quality care and other support services for individuals and groups with identified needs.” Employment in the sector can be divided up into:

a) Residential accommodation provision: 42% of staff b) Home support: 22% of staff c) Day care provision: 25% of staff d) Community care: 11% of staff

The NHS employs less than 4% of social care staff, the vast majority, 53%, are private sector employees working in residential homes and providing home support for adults. The care sector has minimum qualification standards at Level 2 for care workers and Level 4 for care managers Sector Skills issues

• Staff turnover in the NHS, particularly jobs at NVQ Levels 2 and 3, is very significant. Although overall staff levels in the NHS won’t grow over the next ten years, replacement demand will remain large.

• The Care Sector in the South East is behind the minimum qualification standards for NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 4.

• Kent has a large number of Level 1 qualification aims being achieved in FE Colleges that are not being turned into Level 2 progressions.

Table 4 lists a number of vocational qualifications available for 16 -19 year olds that could enhance training provision and progression in Kent in this sector. These qualifications are not competence based but give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment. The qualifications also provide career development opportunities for those already in work. They are therefore suitable for delivery in

schools and colleges 16-19, full and part time and provide alternatives to the Health and Social Care and Society, Health and Development Diploma, for those with a firm idea of a future career. Table 4: QCF validated units for the Health and Social care sector Awarding Body

Level Qual. code Qualification

Edexcel 2 501/1586/8 BTEC Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (For Jan 2011 start)

Edexcel 2 500/6512/9 BTEC Certificate in Working in the Health Sector Edexcel 3 501/1813/4 BTEC Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social

Care (For Jan 2011 start) Edexcel 3 500/6510/5 BTEC Certificate in Working in the Health Sector

4.4. Construction Sector Background The Construction Sector can be divided into 26 occupational areas, each sharing a number of common themes in terms of skills requirements. The 26 areas are:

Senior, executive and business process managers; Construction managers; Non construction professional, technical, IT and office staff; Wood trades and interior fit out; Bricklayers; Building envelope specialists; Painters and decorators; Plasterers and dry liners; Roofers; Floorers; Glaziers; Specialist building operatives; Scaffolders; Plant operatives; Plant mechanics/fitters; Steel erectors/structural; Labourers; Electrical trades and installation; Plumbing and HVAC Trades; Logistics; Civil engineering operatives; Civil engineers; Other construction professionals and technical staff; Architects; Surveyors and Non-construction operatives

There are approximately 8,600 construction and construction related companies in Kent, employing approximately 36,100 people. This is 6% of the total workforce in Kent. 94.5% of companies employ between 1 and 10 people.


• Total construction output in the region is expected to increase at an annual average rate of 2.4% between 2011 and 2015, with most growth skewed towards 2014 and 2015.

• 14-19 participation in vocational courses in this sector is high at Levels 1 and 2, but drops away significantly at Level 3.

• To meet future demand for skills in sustainable construction, providers can offer QCF validated units to 14 -19 year olds that provide introductions to sustainability.

• There is a wide range of provision for traditional construction skills in Kent, but gaps have been identified (see below).

The number of companies in the sector is fairly evenly distributed throughout the Districts in Kent, although Maidstone has the largest proportion of employment in the sector, at approximately 4,700 jobs. Growth is expected to return to South East Construction sector in 2011 following contractions in 2009 and 2010. Total construction output in the region is expected to increase at an annual average rate of 2.4% between 2011 and 2015, with most growth skewed towards 2014 and 2015. The main occupational areas for growth in the next four years are likely to be glaziers, scaffolders, plant operatives, logistics, civil engineers and architects. Zero emission construction and low carbon retrofit of existing buildings will be key drivers for growth. Sector Skills Issues The no shortage in demand for traditional construction courses for 14 -16 year olds at level 1 and 2. This is also no shortage of participation in Level 1 and Level 2 construction courses at FE colleges. Unfortunately Level 3 participation falls away. The industry is saying that employer training at Level 2 and Level 3 will also fall away as the Train to Gain initiative comes to an end. The needs for construction skills in the future fall into two categories:

• Skills for sustainable construction.

• Traditional construction skills. For 14-19 year olds interested in careers in this sector, the emphasis needs to be on raising awareness of issues of sustainability, as they apply to existing course provision. Table 5 lists suitable QCF validated units that providers could consider, at level 2, for this purpose. Table 5: QCF validated units for sustainability in the construction sector. Level Awarding Body Qualification

1 Edexcel Design for Sustainability and the Built Environment (M/102/8127)

2 Edexcel Sustainability in the construction industry (L/600/0063)

2 Edexcel Certificate in Sustainability Skills

For traditional skills, there are gaps to be filled in provision in the following areas: - Painting and decorating at Level 2 and 3 - Trowel occupations that are not delivered as an apprenticeship e.g. BTEC at Levels 2 and 3 - Heating systems; design and installation at level 2 and 3 - Plant operations; usually NVQ work based. - Transport and logistics; Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Introductory - Certificate in Logistics and Transport level 2/ CILT Certificate in Logistics and Transport. - Scaffolding: For example Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) NVQ 2/3 for existing employees.

4.5 Land Based Sector Background There are approximately 2,800 businesses in the sector in Kent, employing approximately 22,100 people. Employment in the sector is predicted to fall by 15% by 2020. The largest occupational groups within the working population are:

• 14% of employment in the sector is in management

• 24% of employment in the sector is in elementary trades

• 33% of employment in the sector is in skilled trades and Kent is home to approximately 500 food related companies and is identified as 1 of 3 main food clusters in the UK. Key players in the sector include JP Fruit Distributors; Mack Multiples; Fresca Group; Delmonte Fresh Produce; Compagnie Frutiere; Brakes; Veetee Foods; Premier Foods; Mansfields and Sainsburys, Tescos, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer distribution. Workers within the sector are often highly skilled and experienced, but can lack formal qualifications. Approximately 75% of workers in the South East have qualifications of level 2 and above. The following skills will increase in importance over the next 3-5 years: Business, management and entrepreneurship skills; Technical/job specific skills and Essential skills. Sector Skills Issues There is a need for:

• Provision for general business management skills within the sector, at level 2 and level 3, allowing progression to higher level skills.

• Provision for higher level business management in the Land Based sector.

• Provision for the development of enterprising students within the sector.

• More progression opportunities from Level 2 to Level 3 particularly by promotion of careers in the sector.

• Provision for agricultural engineering, other than the extended diploma in Land Based Technology at Hadlow College

For 14-19 year olds who are considering a career in this sector, and undertaking existing Land Based qualifications, there are some add on QCF validated units in business and enterprise that


• The Land Based sector is predicted to experience declining employment over the next decade.

• The Land Based sector is part of a wider Food Sector that is becoming increasingly mechanised, complex and subject to legislation.

• The following skills will be important for the sector over the next 5 years: Business, management and entrepreneurship skills; Technical/job specific skills and Essential skills.

• There are opportunities for greater progression between Level 2 and Level 3 courses, and promotion of the sector to learners.

would suit these learners. Their inclusion in a Land Based curriculum would help address the needs of employers. The qualifications are given in Table 6: Table 6: QCF validated units for business and enterprise the land based sector. Level Awarding Body Qualification

2 ABC Award in Skills for Business (3 credits) ABC A 7010-02


2 Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Business (15 credits)

2 Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Business and Enterprise (35 credits)

3 ABC Award in Skills for Business (3 credits) ABC A7010-03


5. Analysis of Apprenticeship provision in Kent The following table shows the top five, of over eighty, apprenticeship frameworks by participation for Kent compared to the South East region for the last three academic years. Kent Proportion

of aims 2007/08

Proportion of aims 2008/09


South East Proportion of aims 2007/08



Hairdressing (217)

20.6% 19.2% 18.2% Hairdressing (217)

13.8% 14.5% 15.2%

Construction (116)

15.2% 14.2% 13.7% Construction (116)

11.0% 9.9% 9.2%

Electrotechnical (105)

10.4% 11.1% 10.2% Electrotechnical (105)

8.7% 9.2% 8.7%

Engineering (106)

8.9% 9.2% 9.4% Engineering (106)

16.7% 16.6% 14.9%

Vehicle Maintenance & Repair (326)

7.1% 6.9% 7.7% Vehicle Maintenance & Repair (326)

7.6% 7.4% 7.5%

Source: ILR (Individual Learning records) Note: 2009/10 figures relate to the position at period 3. (Oct 09)

Kent has higher proportions of Hairdressing, Construction and Electro technical apprenticeship frameworks than seen in the regional figures. The higher proportion of frameworks in Construction reflects the relatively high proportion of employment in the Construction sector in Kent. Equally the high take up of learning in Electro technical and the enrolments on the Engineering frameworks supports the regional priority areas. The largest growth in employment is predicted as Business and other services and the largest employment sector in Kent is in Retail and Wholesale. These areas are not reflected in the top five Apprenticeships frameworks although they are reflected in the top five sector subjects areas in Further Education. Following on from these top five frameworks in order of percentage take up are; Plumbing Childcare and Development Business Administration

Main Findings

• Kent has highest proportion of Hairdressing, Electro Technical & Construction apprenticeships in the South East region

• Largest predicted sector growth in Kent is Business Administration & Law

• Top 5 frameworks delivered are Plumbing, Childcare, Business Admin, Hospitability and Customer Service

• Retail, Equine and Accounting are among a number of apprenticeships where take up has fallen over last three years

• Out of a total cohort of 57,471 sixteen to eighteen learners only 6.5% are undertaking apprenticeships

• Apprenticeship percentage in learning within the 12 districts in Kent vary between 11.4% of cohort in Canterbury and 5.4% in Tunbridge Wells

Hospitability and Catering Customer Service Over the same 3 year period there have been a number of frameworks where take up has risen and also a number where take up has fallen. Take-up risen: Health and Social Care, Sporting Excellence, Engineering Construction and Active Leisure and Learning. Take-up falling: Retail, Equine Industry and Accounting. Out of a total cohort of 57,471(16-18 year old learners) 3,724 learners in Kent are undertaking apprenticeships. Proportionally this equates to 6.5 per cent of the total learners, lower than the regional position of 7.7 per cent. Learner choice and the labour market

The three largest sectors for employment in Kent represent over 42 per cent of all employment. These sectors are Wholesale and Retail Trade (19.1 per cent); Human Health and Social Work activities (12.7 per cent); Education (10.5 per cent). Health, Public Services and Care sector subject area has the highest proportion of FE enrolments (8.7 per cent), significantly higher proportion than the region overall.

Kent has higher proportions of Hairdressing, Construction and Electro technical apprenticeship frameworks than seen in the regional figures. Kent has a similar economic profile to the region however the proportion of employment is higher in the follow industrial sectors;

• Manufacturing

• Electricity, gas, and water supply

• Construction

• Wholesale and retail trade

• Transportation and storage

• Accommodation and food service activities

• Public administration and defence; compulsory social security

• Education

• Human health and social work activities The South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) have aligned the principle of creating jobs through new industry with existing regional strengths to identify six priority sectors for support. These have significant potential to create new jobs and growth, these are:

• Financial and Professional services;

• ICT, Software and Digital Media;

• Advanced Engineering and Marine;

• Aerospace and Defence and Pharmaceuticals,

• Life Sciences and Healthcare;

• Environment and Energy.

Industrial forecasting from the Working Futures III model predicts a rise in the number of people working in most industrial sectors but a significant increase in Business & other services and Non-marketed services between 2007 and 2017 in Kent & Medway1 but a sharp decline in the manufacturing industry and a slight decline in the Primary sector and utilities. The working futures projections should be seen as indicative of likely trends rather than precise forecasts. The forecasts were produced prior to the emergence of the recession and present a view of medium to long term trends based on the assumption that the economy recovers relatively quickly and that the employment patterns revert to longer term trends. 2

1 Working Futures III data is only available for the old Learning and Skills Council geographical level of Kent and Medway. 2 Working Futures 2007-2017 Technical Report, preface and acknowledgements, available at http://www.ukces.org.uk/pdf/WF%20III%20Technical%20Report.pdf

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