We are so proud to announce the official launch of the Kent Skills Hub at Hermitage Quarry, a major investment in the future of the construction industry, and a significant step forward in developing the next generation of skilled talent across Kent and the South East.
Delivered through a partnership between Gallagher, Lower Thames Crossing, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Flannery Plant the new training facility has been created to provide practical, industry-led pathways into construction careers for people from all backgrounds.
Located at the heart of Hermitage quarry, the Kent Skills Hub offers a unique learning environment where trainees will gain hands-on experience with the latest equipment and machinery while also benefiting from classroom-based learning. By immersing learners within a live construction and quarrying environment, the Hub provides invaluable exposure to the real-world opportunities available across our sector.
The initiative has been designed to support a broad range of individuals looking to build careers in construction, including young people not currently in education, employment or training (NEETs), veterans, ex-offenders and others seeking a route into meaningful, long-term employment.
The launch comes at a critical time for the industry. With construction facing significant skills shortages and an ageing workforce, creating accessible pathways into rewarding careers has never been moreimportant. The Kent Skills Hub builds on the success of the pilot Skills Hub developed alongside the Lower Thames Crossing programme and demonstrates what can be achieved when industry partners collaborate with a shared purpose.
Alongside the Skills Hub, Gallagher has also completed the launch of its new EV Charging Station at Hermitage Quarry, delivered in partnership with Lower Thames Crossing, SKANSKA and the Department for Transport. The facility features three 200kW fast-charging units for heavy goods vehicles, powered by renewable energy generated on-site.
This investment marks another important milestone in Gallagher’s commitment to sustainability and supporting the industry’s transition towards net zero. The charging infrastructure will help enable the quarrying, processing and transportation of materials using electrically powered vehicles charged with 100% renewable energy, supporting the ambitions of major infrastructure projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing to reduce emissions across their supply chains.
The Kent Skills Hub itself is a testament to sustainable innovation. Built using repurposed containers donated from the Barking Riverside development by L&Q and enhanced through the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Skills Builder Programme, the facility includes a dedicated training room, breakout spaces, kitchen and welfare facilities. A mobile training unit has also been commissioned, enabling Gallagher and its partners to take training opportunities directly to sites and communities across the region.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication, determination and teamwork of colleagues across Gallagher. From the earliest planning stages through to construction, commissioning and launch, teams from across the business worked tirelessly around the clock to turn an ambitious vision into a reality.
On behalf of the Gallagher leadership team, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved. The commitment, expertise and collaboration demonstrated throughout this project reflect the very best of our business and our values.
The Kent Skills Hub and EV Charging Station are more than infrastructure investments. They represent our commitment to people, sustainability and the long-term future of our industry. Together with our partners, we are creating opportunities, developing skills, supporting communities and helping build a more sustainable construction sector for generations to come.
We look forward to welcoming the first cohorts of trainees and seeing the positive impact these facilities will have across Kent and beyond.
View the KM TV News article here
