The growing number of high technology businesses in the South East demand a highly skilled workforce. There is also a drive for a more effective service sector. The region needs a skilled and adaptable workforce if it is to achieve its target to be one of the top 15 regions in the world in terms of labour productivity, competitiveness and employment rates by 2012.

Skills learned in the cultural sector are often highly employable in other sectors, contributing to the creative economy. Changes to the education system for 14-19 year olds mean that new specialised diplomas in lines such as creative and media, sport and leisure and travel and tourism will start to come on stream from 2008.

The London 2012 Olympic, Paralympic Games and the Cultural Olympiad 2008-2012 provide significant opportunities to develop skills in the region. These will be delivered through the South East  Education, Skills,  Employment for London 2012 action plan.

Proposals to train 4,000 new play workers across England, as part of the Children’s Plan, will also contribute to the South East workforce.

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