Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has launched a new, free skills and employment initiative aimed at helping hundreds of local residents gain confidence, discover career opportunities, and secure future employment.
Delivered in partnership with Runway Training, the People and Skills Project will run until December 2026. The scheme provides practical, hands-on training tailored to sectors with high local demand, offering direct support to individuals facing barriers to work or education.
Target Audience and Key Areas
While the project is open to all residents across the borough, it places a strong emphasis on supporting young people, particularly those who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
Priority focus will also be given to specific local communities, including:
- Trench (north Tonbridge)
- Aylesford
- Snodland
- East Malling
Interactive Sector Taster Sessions
As part of the initiative, Runway Training will deliver 21 half-day taster sessions across the region. Designed to be practical and interactive, these workshops will introduce participants to key growth industries, including:
- Agri-tech: Exploring modern agricultural technology and sustainable farming practices.
- Construction: Providing insights into trade pathways and modern building techniques.
- Social Care: Introducing frontline care roles and progression opportunities within the sector.
The sessions aim to help participants understand local career pathways, build practical skill sets, and access ongoing follow-up support to take their next steps into employment or further education.
Community Impact and Leadership Perspectives
The programme builds on the foundation of the Council’s broader People and Skills Fund, which has backed 15 local initiatives and assisted hundreds of residents since 2024. Local leaders emphasize the importance of creating accessible pathways to training as national demand for youth employment support grows.
Cllr Robin Betts, Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Economy, highlighted the core goals of the initiative:
“This much-needed project aims to give local people the confidence, skills and connections they need to take their next step towards securing employment and training opportunities. By building links with growth sectors and existing county-wide programmes, we want to ensure residents across Tonbridge and Malling can access opportunities that improve their future prospects.”
Oliver Trailor, Chief Executive Officer of Runway Training, noted the value of industry insight for participants:
“We’re excited to be working with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to provide support and opportunities to young people in the community. The programme aims to offer real world insights into sectors which they may not have known about or considered as accessible to them.”
How to Register
The taster sessions and support services are completely free to attend for eligible residents. To learn more or to register interest in upcoming sessions, contact Runway Training directly via email at adultskills@runwaytraining.co.uk.
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