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Employers and Client Referral to our Services
Whether you're looking to strengthen your existing team or bring fresh talent into your organisation, this page is designed to help Kent businesses access the skills, training and support they need to grow. Across the county a wide range of programmes are preparing people of all ages with the qualifications, confidence and real-world experience required to succeed in today's workplace - and your business can benefit directly from this growing pipeline of job-ready candidates.
Here, you'll discover the opportunities to upskill your current employees through tailored training and development, as well as pathways to recruit individuals who have recently completed high-quality employment, education and skills programmes. From digital training and sector-specific qualifications to support employment initiatives and government-funded schemes, there are practical solutions available in Kent to help employers build resilient, skilled and future-ready teams. There are also a range of programmes available in Kent, you can refer your clients to, to support them with gaining the skills they need.
Whether you want to invest in your workforce, diversify your recruitment process or connect with motivated individuals eager to work, this page will guide you through the opportunities available to support your business, today and for the future.
Discover opportunities in Kent
Response offers free, practical courses that help learners build confidence, gain essential skills and take positive steps toward employment, upskilling, volunteering or further education.
ReferKent is an online system you can use to get support for adults.
Joy offers free support, from mental health to housing, money advice to loneliness.
Connect to Work can help you find dedicated employees who are motivated to succeed in work.
A sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) gives jobseekers who are 16 and over, and claiming benefits, the opportunity to apply for jobs.
The Kent and Medway Growth Hub forms part of the South East Business Hub, the South East Local Enterprise Partnership's overarching business support programme, which also supports local hubs in East Sussex and Essex, Southend and Thurrock. We help new and existing businesses find the most suitable type of business support available in their area.
Apprenticeships are available for individuals over the age of 16 and combines on the job training with study. You can offer this opportunity to new or current staff members.
Apprenticeships are available up to a university degree level and can be completed in a range of sectors.
T Levels are for learners aged 16 to 19 in England who have finished their GCSEs. T Levels combine classroom learning with an industry placement.
Host an industry placement and support young people to get ready for the workplace.
Skills Bootcamps are flexible training courses for adults aged 19 or over, and are available in a range of sectors such as digital, engineering or green skills. They can help you upskill your existing workforce or recruit new talent.
Skills Bootcamps are developed and delivered in partnership with your business and can be offered full or part-time.
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are high-quality and job focused level 4 and level 5 qualifications, such as Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas.
HTQs have been independently tested against standards developed by employers. To become an HTQ and display the HTQ quality mark, qualifications must be approved against these standards.
Upskill your current employees with free courses or training. There are a range of free courses available, including:
- essential digital skills, up to and including level 1
- English and/or maths, up to and including level 2
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), up to, and including level 2
- level 3 courses for jobs, ranging from engineering to health and social care
Find out more about free courses and additional free training
The Care Leaver Covenant is a voluntary scheme that supports care leavers aged 16 to 25, who left care after their 16th birthday. You can pledge your support for the covenant and offer care leavers:
- paid employment, such as apprenticeships or internships
- mentorships, taster sessions or interview support
- discounted or free goods and services
Supported internships combine studying with a work placement. They are available for young people, aged 16 to 24, with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.
Host placements in your workplace and support young people with SEND.
Find out more about supported internships and work placements
Work with New Futures Network and provide job opportunities to serving prisoners and prison leavers aged 18 and over.
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