Workforce and Skills
Ashford’s population has grown 11% over the last 10 years.
This fantastic growth has also supported an increase in highly-skilled professionals, with 16% of the Ashford population being managers, directors and senior officials. Associate professionals and technical occupations represent 15% of the population and professional occupations 21%, including people working in science, engineering, tech, business, media as well as health professionals and teachers.
In 2022, we recorded 61,000 employees in total, with the largest sectors in terms of employment being ‘Wholesale and Retail’ (20%), ‘Human Health and Social Work Activities’ (15%) and ‘Administrative and Support Services’ (13%).
The Ashford workforce salary is 23% lower than London and the number of employees is still rising, with more companies relocating to Ashford and enjoying our USPs.
The local workforce is changing as the local economy changes. Employee numbers growing in the Information and Communication sector growing by 20% between 2017 and 2022, plus a growth of 33% for Construction employee numbers in the same period.
Ashford College
Ashford is also home to the Ashford College, which now has over 1,300 students enrolled at its Elwick Place campus. In addition there are three universities located in Canterbury, with University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University and University of the Creative Arts all within a 15 minute train journey.
This means employers have access to highly-skilled graduates, interns and apprentices right on their doorstep, including highly-qualified engineering students.
Ashford College also has strong links with the local business community, so get in touch with the course leaders to see how you can benefit from their proximity.
Free Green Skills
Those who live or work in Ashford may be eligible to study a free Green Skills course offered by Ashford College. The Green Skills training courses will include certifications in retrofitting properties with new green-tech, as well as two Level 3 qualifications in both Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps. Find out more about the courses here.
Screen and Film Skills
Screen Ashford is a collaborative partnership with Screen South, Ashford Borough Council and Ashford-based film company Borderpoint Films. It is an innovative initiative designed to to develop more creative skills at all levels in Ashford. It aims to equip local talent with the skills connections and confidence necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive industry.
With the British Film Institute forecasting a need for nearly 21,000 new crew members by 2025 and the anticipated Ashford International Studios on the horizon, Screen Ashford is set to develop the next generation of industry professionals. The programme offers a range of exciting events and labs for all ages over the next year along with training activities specifically for residents, workers, and students in the Ashford borough.
Find out how Screen Ashford can help your business.
Ashford is an affordable business destination, with the median salary being £7,000 lower than in London. This 20% difference in median salary combined with cheaper overall employee costs, make hiring highly-skilled employees to support company growth is easier than ever in Ashford.
Find out more about employment in Ashford, or get help finding skilled employees, from our Economic Development team.
