Construction, Engineering And Manufacturing Skills Conference – 15th May

We will prioritise the attendance of manufacturing and engineering organisations/education providers in the first instance at this event.  If we reach maximum numbers a waiting list will be put in place and you will be notified by email. 

** Only registered attendees will be admitted to the event ** Please book your place now to avoid disappointment.

Pictures may be taken at this event. If you do not wish your picture to be taken, please let us know ahead of the event.

Bookings will remain open until the event itself, but please note that if you book with less than 24 hours to go, your name won’t be on the “Signing in Sheet” and you won’t have a “Name Badge” on arrival.

ADDRESSING THE SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE TODAY.

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Construction, Engineering & Manufacturing Skills Conference 2024, led by the Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and funded by UK Government.

The LSIP program acts as a blueprint for addressing regional skills gaps and shortages. By placing employers at the forefront of local skills and education discussions, it ensures their needs are central to finding solutions.

Construction, Manufacturing & Engineering are key, priority sectors highlighted within the Kent & Medway LSIP and the Skills Conference will bring together sector experts from industry and education to work collaboratively on solutions to address the skills challenges in these priority sectors.

The day will create a platform for sharing insights, building connections, and advancing skills across construction, engineering, and manufacturing.

Expect to hear from regional experts on the current skills landscape and economic outlook, engage in thought-provoking roundtable discussions, and learn from local employers who have successfully partnered with education providers to future-proof their workforce and bridge the skills gap.

The conference provides a unique opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and connect with local education and training providers. Discover how collaboration can unlock long-term benefits, drive economic prosperity, and fuel future growth.

The Construction, Engineering & Manufacturing Skills Conference 2024 is a rallying cry for action. It serves as a platform to address, discuss, and identify solutions for both the immediate and long-term skills needs of the region.  Be a part of the conversation.

Find out more: cemskillsconference

AGENDA

9:30am – Registration and networking
Join us for refreshments

10:00am – Welcome Address
Tudor Price, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

10:10am – Skills: A Regional Perspective

• Lauren Edwards, Medway Council
• Derek Murphy, Kent County Council
• Lucy Druesne, Local Skills Improvement Plan
• Celine McGeown, CITB
• Kerri-Anne Mruk, Make UK

11:15am – Coffee Break

11:30am – Round Table Discussions

12:30pm – Lunch and Networking

1:30pm – The Education Landscape in Kent and Medway

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Dave Knox, The Education People – Apprenticeships
• Richard Wilde, MidKent College – Green Skills in Construction
• Liz Halton, Forward2Employment and Mark Rose, bemix – Supported Internships

2:15pm – Successful Employer Engagement: Panel Q&A

• Gary Allen, Wire Belt
• James Simpson, Knauf UK
• Kent & Medway Careers Hub
• Kieren Bussey, Richard Austin Alloys
• Lena McGrath, PeoplePlus
• Lindsey Biggs, EKC Group

3:00pm – Summary and Reflections of the Day; Call to Action

3:10pm – 3:30pm – Event Close and Networking

Find out more: cemskillsconference

Please see our full list of our event Terms and Conditions