OLYMPIC medallist Kriss Akabusi leads the field at a conference designed to engage more employers in education.

Now an in-demand motivational speaker, the former record-breaking athlete is set to galvanise bosses into helping young people learn about the world of work.

He is probably best remembered for being a member of the 4x400 metre relay team who beat the Americans to gold in the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo.

He now runs his own company specialising in corporate communications and training.

He will be the first keynote speaker at Shift Happens! a half-day conference being held at Ashford International Hotel on Thursday, January 31.

More than 150 delegates have registered so far but there is room for 300.

Toni Clarke, chief executive of Medway Education Business Partnership, said the world of work was constantly shifting. A highly-skilled and internationally-competitive workforce relied on an education system able to deliver the skills needed by an advanced economy.

"Developing vocational and work-related learning is vital to the success of a high-quality and well-focused education system," she said.

"Engaging employers in the successful delivery of the developing vocational agenda in schools is fundamental to this success."

She added that the conference would bring Kent and Medway employers “up to speed” on the new agenda and how it will affect schools, industry and the economy.

Free places available by contacting Toni Clarke on 01634 204633/34.