Future Workforce
Partner
HEADLINE SPONSOR
Supporting the Future Workforce
We’re delighted to welcome South East Consortium (SEC) as this year’s Future Workforce Partner at Kent Construction EXPO.
Their headline sponsorship supports the event’s focus on attracting and developing the next generation of construction professionals – aligning with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce’s role in delivering the region’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
South East Consortium’s commitment to future skills, careers and training pathways reflects a shared ambition across the sector to connect employers with emerging talent and help build a stronger, more sustainable workforce for the South East.
“As this year’s Future Workforce Partner we’re excited to help bridge the skills gap by celebrating the diverse careers the housing sector has to offer. We’ll be joined by Kent College students eager to learn more about the Construction industry and meet possible future employers. They’ll explore the different routes into the sector, including apprenticeships and graduate programmes. This partnership is all about promoting opportunities for school leavers and ensuring a vibrant future workforce.”
David Smith, Acting CEO – South East Consortium
Students from the following colleges were in attendance at the 2025 event:
What can you expect?
Join South East Consortium, LSIP and panellists for a insightful discussion on bridging the gap and building a stronger future workforce.
A number of exhibitors will be highlighted in the event guide for students – these are organisations are especially open to speaking with students about careers, placements, and training opportunities they have to offer on the day.
Kent’s Role in Shaping the Future Workforce
South East Consortium and panellists hosted an insightful discussion on bridging the gap and building a stronger future workforce.
About our Future Workforce Partner:
South East Consortium
South East Consortium (SEC) is proud to celebrate 20 incredible years of supporting the housing sector in 2025!
Since we began, we’ve been dedicated to supporting Housing Associations and Local Authorities with flexible procurement solutions that save you time and money. Our frameworks connect housing providers with a wide range of suppliers – from local SMEs to national contractors – ready to deliver your projects.
But we’ve grown to cover more than just procurement. We reinvest in the sector through our tailored training programmes, knowledge-sharing events, and community fund – all helping our members make a lasting impact.
Today, we’re owned by 61 Housing Associations and Local Authorities, collectively managing over 490,000 homes.
Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
A strong economy depends on a skilled workforce. The Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029 sets out a shared vision for ensuring businesses across the region can access the talent, skills and training they need to grow and thrive.
Developed by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce as the designated Employer Representative Body, funded by UK Government and supported by the Department for Work and Pensions, the LSIP places employers at the heart of skills planning. It brings together businesses, education and training providers, local authorities and wider partners to ensure the skills system responds to the needs of our economy.
Shaped by extensive employer engagement and informed by labour market intelligence, it identifies the region’s key skills priorities for 2026–2029 and sets out a clear framework for collaborative action. This plan supersedes the previous LSIP while building on four years of partnership working between businesses, education providers, local authorities and strategic partners to strengthen skills provision across Kent and Medway.
Together, we can create stronger talent pipelines, support workforce development and help drive long-term economic growth across the region.
