Kent sees increase in number of startups offering jobs

The number of start-ups in Kent offering job opportunities has increased.

This news comes following a recent surge in the number of apprenticeships across the UK.

Strong growth

The constituency of Folkestone and Hythe experienced the highest growth in the county of the number of people becoming apprentices between 2011 and 2015, with figures increasing from 760 to 1,090.

The area’s MP, Damian Collins, said that there has been a “strong growth” in startup companies in the area who are now offering jobs.

He added that creative businesses in the area that began five years ago are taking on apprenticeships.

“There has also been a big push from Shepway District Council to promote awareness of the funding available to businesses trying to take on an apprentice,” he said.

Apprenticeships

Over 2 million apprenticeship starts were made nationally between the 2010/2011 and 2014/2015 academic years. The majority of locations in Kent saw significant growth, with Rochester and Strood just behind Folkestone and Hythe with an increase of 300, followed by Sittingbourne and Sheppey with a growth of 290, and Ashford at 230.

Only Canterbury and Faversham and Mid Kent saw a decline between 2011 and 2015, but this was minimal. New apprenticeships were down in Canterbury by just ten, and by 20 in Faversham and Mid Kent.

The growth in the number of apprenticeships since 2009/10 has been mainly driven by an increase in apprenticeship starts by people aged 25 and over, according to the House of Commons Library.

Business, administration, and law were found to make up the majority of apprenticeship starts.