A NEW head of operations has been appointed at Kent Works, the organisation that links business and education in the county.

Mike Kiernan, previously the chief executive of the North West Kent Education Business Partnership, which is now part of Kent Works, will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation.

Established by Kent County Council and the Learning and Skills Council, Kent Works is in its second year of operation with 110 schools and colleges registered to use its services.

As well as providing work experience for 14 to 16-year-olds, the organisation also offers professional development for teaching staff involved in delivering work-related learning.

Mr Kiernan said: "I'm aware of the needs of both business and education. We need to create closer links between the two and teach pupils the necessary skills for their working lives."