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The Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-2029 has published its dedicated Construction & Built Environment Sector Plan, setting out the skills priorities and actions needed to support one of Kent and Medway’s largest and most important sectors.
Construction remains a major driver of local growth, supporting around 58,000 jobs across the region and accounting for almost one in five businesses. Significant developments, including housing growth and major infrastructure projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing, are expected to generate sustained demand for skilled workers over the coming years.
However, employers continue to face significant workforce challenges. The evidence gathered through the LSIP highlights persistent shortages across key trades including bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, plumbing and heating, electrical installation, plastering, scaffolding, groundworks and plant operation. Employers also report growing demand for site supervisors, commercial specialists, surveyors and project management professionals.
Key Priorities for the Sector
The Construction & Built Environment Sector Plan identifies a number of priorities that will help address current shortages while preparing the workforce for future industry needs. These include:
Turning Priorities into Action
The plan sets out a coordinated programme of activity to strengthen the talent pipeline and support employers to access the workforce they need. Proposed actions include improving careers engagement and site exposure opportunities, supporting more industry placements, reducing barriers for SMEs to participate in apprenticeships and training, and aligning provision more closely to current and future industry requirements.
Particular attention is given to supporting major infrastructure and housing projects by building local capacity in delivery-critical trades and technical occupations, while also helping the sector respond to Net Zero requirements, modern methods of construction and increased digitalisation.
The plan also recognises wider challenges affecting the education and training system, including shortages of experienced tutors, and sets out actions to strengthen links between employers and providers through industry-led curriculum development, teacher encounters and industry associate models.
Looking Ahead
The Construction & Built Environment Sector Plan provides a roadmap for ensuring the sector has access to the skilled workforce needed to deliver homes, infrastructure and sustainable growth across Kent and Medway. By strengthening entry routes, improving progression opportunities and embedding digital and green skills, the plan aims to support both immediate workforce needs and long-term economic growth.
Get Involved
The success of the Construction & Built Environment Sector Plan relies on continued employer engagement. Whether you can offer placements, apprenticeships, site visits, curriculum input, industry expertise or support workforce development initiatives, your involvement can help shape the future of construction skills across Kent and Medway.
To find out more about the Sector Plan, the Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG), or opportunities to support delivery of the LSIP priorities, please contact the Kent & Medway LSIP team at lsip@kentinvictachamber.co.uk.
Read the full Construction & Built Environment Sector Skills Plan below and explore the wider Kent & Medway LSIP 2026-2029 on the LSIP website here.
