Skills

A skilled and creative workforce

‘When considering where to base our branch in Kent, Maidstone was the obvious choice with its central location, excellent communications and a large base of professionals’ Jonathon Watson, Corporate Manager, Handelsbanken

Despite the recession, at the end of 2009 Maidstone had maintained economic activity rates of 80%, above the South East and national averages, reflecting a strong underlying skills base.

With a third of residents educated to degree level, Maidstone has proportionately 2700 more graduates than the average for the South East or Great Britain.

Approximately 1 in 3 Kent graduates are retained in the county post graduation, which compares favourably with other parts of the UK. 

University for the Creative Arts offers courses in areas such as Animation, Graphic Design, Video and Illustration. A Broadcast Media Foundation Degree was launched in January 2010, the product of an innovative partnership with Maidstone Studios, a leading TV studio. The highly-rated Mid Kent College is also based in Maidstone and is soon to benefit from a multi-million makeover. Courses range from welding to healthcare and literature to life sciences.

The European School of Osteopathy has over a hundred years of history in Maidstone and attracts students from all over the world.

Maidstone also enjoys a reputation for high quality schools. Local grammar schools are consistently top performers and two non-selective Academies have been established, which specialise in science and design technology and business, enterprise and vocational studies. £62 million purpose-built learning campuses have recently been completed.