Supporting Skills and Training in Kent
Make valuable connections, share best practice and be part of something great for skills in Kent

Become a Member

Be part of a network to support skills and training in Kent

Apprenticeships

Explore key information, guidance and resources for apprenticeships.

Training & Skills

Information, guidance & resources for pre-employment and skills development opportunities.

The Kent Association of Training Organisations (KATO) represents the major Training Providers in Kent and Medway, providing a single voice for all providers.

It’s a place where members can network with other members, share ideas, and access relevant content all year-round.

Established in 1985, KATO supports the interests of member organisations who deliver a variety of training programmes, including Apprenticeships, qualifications, traineeships, employment support, bespoke training, and CIAG.

Our Members

The network already has a strong core membership of both Independent Training Providers and Colleges and has received support and advice from key agencies, including the Southeast Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), Local Authorities, the Education and Skills Funding Agency, Association of Employment and Learning Providers, Department of Work and Pensions, and OFSTED.

KATO Team

KATO is run for its members by members. The KATO committee is made up of members who are elected from and by the membership, who are currently supported by two directors Tim Rowe and David Knox.

Independent Training Providers (ITPs) are an integral part of the Technical, Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) landscape. They play an increasingly important role in delivering government policy priorities in the development of TVET systems.

Future Prosperity

The UK government’s national policy priority is for ‘future prosperity’, and from this overarching aim stem a number of economic, social, and technological challenges. ITPs are particularly well placed to respond to the demands of these challenges due to their nimble and responsive working practices, and their capabilities in work-based learning and employer engagement.

One of the many benefits of networking is connecting with like-minded individuals. There are huge gains to be made by communicating with other professionals in or relating to your industry. The wealth of knowledge that you can access via networking is amazing.

Collaboration

Working collaboratively, KATO members share expertise and good practice to ensure they continue to develop and deliver training that meets the requirements of employers and individuals in Kent and Medway.

Our aim is to widen and maximise participation for all Kent and Medway providers to become involved.

As a Network Organisation we:

Provide support and information for members, seeking funding opportunities and work collaboratively with members to develop their businesses.

Represent our members with AELP and work in partnership with Kent County Council and Medway Council.

Work closely with The Education Training Foundation, The Education and Skills Funding Agency and the National Apprenticeship Service to support the national government agenda. KATO also has strong partnerships with JCP, CXK and National Careers Service and district and borough councils through the county.

Facilitate workshops and peer review development groups to maintain training quality standards to meet OFSTED requirements.

Work closely with schools to promote Apprenticeships and training with employment opportunities in line with raising the participation.

Promote workplace learning opportunities to employers throughout the county

Work to support the 16 – 24 youth unemployment agenda

Full Member Benefits

We are all about supporting helping our members grow. We do this by promoting what you do and creating opportunities for you to grow, network and promote yourself.

Make Valuable Connections

Network with like minded individuals, funders, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Authorities, and national bodies such as the ESFA, DWP and the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education at our network meetings.

Provide support and information for members

Seeking funding opportunities and work collaboratively with members to develop their businesses.

Access specialist CPD training

Access to a member’s area - which shares information, training, events, and other opportunities of interest to members’ and their teams.

Have a say in decisions that affect your organisation

Have your best interests represented on Local Authority committees, boards, CIAG groups, the Local Enterprise Partnerships and at AELP meetings. Influence how we operate and what we lobby for by providing feedback on issues and challenges that affect you.

Promote your organisation

Feature on KATO’s website on our member’s page with your logo, website link and short introduction to your organisation. Feature in the monthly provider spotlight to showcase success or raise your profile.

Keep up to date

Receive our monthly newsletter summarising relevant news and opportunities. Hear directly from ESFA, LEPs, Local Authorities and other relevant organisations at our Network Meetings.

Get advice when you need it

Opportunities to question Local Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, and funding representatives directly at our network meetings. Speak to one of the KATO committee team for advice, information, or recommendations for specific expert advice

Access to a member’s area

Which shares information, training, events, and other opportunities of interest to members’ and their teams.

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We have been a member of KATO for over 15 years and being part of this wonderful professional network has enabled us to work closely with other Training Organisations and get insights into the latest information about training and funding.

Terri McDonald
Kent Training and Apprenticeships
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Two years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do plastering, plumbing, bits of electrics, carpentry etc. I’m so happy I went down this route of training. My Apprenticeship has given me not only those skills but the confidence in what I’m doing.

Sophie
Level 2 Property Maintenance Apprentice
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I find KATO so supportive for my conversations with employers who are looking at taking on apprentices and sourcing a training provider.

Melanie Phelps
Medway County Council
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I have worked with KATO for many years; the support given to the company I worked for then was instrumental in promoting the benefits of apprenticeships to Kent residents and employers.

Sharon Sewell
IPS

Apprentice Testimonial

“Two years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do plastering, plumbing, bits of electrics, carpentry etc. I’m so happy I went down this route of training. My Apprenticeship has given me not only those skills but the confidence in what I’m doing.”

Sophie, Level 2 Property Maintenance Apprentice

Latest Blogs & Updates

Become a Member

Are you a provider of skills & training and want to make valuable connections, raise your profile, and access relevant information? If so, join now.

Apprenticeships

Are you an employer, a parent or an individual interested in apprenticeships?
Find out more here.

Contact

If you have a question, or would like to discuss or request anything specific please contact us here, we will be pleased to help.