SKILLS 26 – Highlights From The Day

SKILLS 26 – the second annual Kent & Medway Skills Summit – took place on Wednesday, 18th March. Building on the success of the previous year’s event, SKILLS 26 served as a dynamic platform for exploring and advancing the essential skills shaping the future of Kent and Medway.

This year’s summit focused on identifying the challenges and opportunities related to the skills needed for success across the region’s evolving economic landscape. Led by the Kent and Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and funded by the UK Government, SKILLS 26 acted as a hub for knowledge exchange, offering practical and actionable strategies to help organisations navigate the demands of the modern workforce. Attendees enjoyed energising conversations, inspiring stories, and valuable insights from leaders driving change and innovation.

The summit provided thought‑provoking discussions and practical solutions addressing the key challenges facing regional employers in workforce development, productivity, and growth. A comprehensive programme of panel discussions and seminars ran throughout the day in dedicated breakout spaces, creating further opportunities for networking and collaboration. By bringing together industry and education, the summit helped foster ongoing engagement and innovation within the regional skills system.

Why Attendees Joined Us

Managing Directors, Business Owners, Senior Leaders, and Learning & Development teams from across Kent & Medway took part in:

• Exploring the challenges and opportunities within the regional skills landscape.
• Gaining practical insights from leading voices and adopting strategies that support business success.
• Participating in dynamic discussions, uncovering innovative solutions, and building meaningful connections.
• Strengthening collaboration between industry and education to drive economic growth and future prosperity.

The summit offered a valuable opportunity to connect with like‑minded professionals, local education and training providers, and key stakeholders.

Together, attendees explored how stronger collaboration can unlock long‑term benefits, boost productivity, and support a thriving future for Kent & Medway.