New Council Launches to Tackle Construction Skills Shortages

A RANGE of construction, engineering and manufacturing organisations came together recently to explore practical ways to tackle skills shortages across Kent and Medway.

Hosted at North Kent College’s Gravesend Campus, the event marked the official launch of the Kent & Medway Industry4Council. The event brought together employers, employer bodies, and representatives from local authorities, colleges, universities, and training providers.

Mark Andrews, Deputy Executive Principal – Strategy & Curriculum at North Kent College, said: “I was delighted by the level of engagement and genuine enthusiasm amongst employers, educators, and industry bodies to collaborate in tackling skills shortage challenges.”

“Small and medium businesses recognise the important commonalities in skills needs across construction and manufacturing, and how we can inspire a diverse new generation into these fantastic careers. We now have a plan to make a difference and I’m keen to get on with delivering the STEM skills engagement events and collaborative provision we devised.”

New Council to Tackle Skills Shortages

The Industry4Council unites employers from the construction, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, all of whom share a common goal: to recruit, train, and upskill genuinely competent individuals who can help sustain, innovate, and grow their businesses, creating wealth and opportunity across the region.

This new partnership offers a practical forum for employers to collaborate with further and higher education institutions, as well as independent training providers.

The Council will explore what can be achieved through coordinated collaboration, designed and led by employers, for employers.

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