DBC in partnership with Ebbsfleet Development Corporation recently hosted a session with local housebuilding firms to discuss support for local people to develop skills in the construction industry.
Attendees were welcomed by Dartford Borough Council Leader Jeremy Kite, new EDC Chief Executive Sara Waller and EDC Director of Infrastructure and Enabling Works Paul Abrahams. Key findings from a local report and research into demand for construction skills provision at Ebbsfleet and Dartford were then delivered by Ross Gill of economic and social development consultants SQW.
The report, which was commissioned by Dartford Borough Council and EDC in 2025, was developed in the context of the scale of planned development at Ebbsfleet and the wider area, and the commitment to an ‘inclusive growth agenda’, ensuring local residents are able to access the opportunities that development will present. It also focused on skills shortages in the built environment sector, both locally and nationally, and the potential for an additional construction skills training centre to address local gaps in the industry.
Findings from the report show that there are currently around 91,000 people working in construction in Kent and Medway, of which about 16,000 are based in Dartford and Gravesham. Demand for new entrants into all parts of the construction industry is set to grow throughout the region over the next few years – with between 1,700 and 3,000 people required each year in Kent and Medway, and between 300 and 500 each year in Dartford and Gravesham. Set against this scale of demand, there were only about 40 construction apprenticeship achievements in Dartford and Gravesham in 2023/24, giving an indication of the gap that needs to be bridged.
Current trends in the labour market were also presented at the meeting by Hays Recruitment Director Sarah Day and Senior Business Director John Richardson. Paul Abrahams then returned to discuss EDC’s pipeline of future work, outlining the scale of planned development and the ambition to support a skilled and sustainable local workforce.
Following the presentations, valuable feedback from local housebuilding firms and sub-contractors was requested, received and discussed, helping to shape a shared approach between EDC and Dartford Borough Council to strengthen skills development and pathways into construction careers.
Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council said: “Both Dartford and Ebbsfleet are seeing remarkable economic growth, with major investment, new homes, and continued development across the area. But this growth is also putting real pressure on our construction workforce, as the demand for skilled trades is rising faster than the supply of trained workers.
To make sure our growth is inclusive and sustainable, we need clearer routes into construction, better‑aligned training that reflects what employers need, and more opportunities for young people and those entering the sector for the first time. By working closely with local employers and partners to identify gaps and develop practical solutions, we can build a strong pipeline of talent that supports business growth and ensures our communities continue to thrive long into the future.”
Sara Waller, CEO of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation said: “The Local Construction Skills Business Breakfast highlighted the incredible potential when employers, partners, and residents come together to shape the future of construction.
“More broadly, we are committed to supporting inclusive growth across Ebbsfleet and the wider region by developing clear pathways into construction careers, investing in apprenticeships and skills development, and helping local people build fulfilling careers. By working collaboratively with industry and our communities, we can strengthen thriving neighbourhoods, create a skilled and sustainable workforce, and ensure the opportunities created by regeneration benefit everyone – now, and in the future.”
Michelle Workman, Apprentice and Graduate Scheme Manager at Erith said: “Events like this are important because we all seem to be facing similar challenges, and they give us a chance to gather everyone’s ideas and initiatives, combine them, and work out a way forward for the future of the industry and for recruiting the skills needed in construction.
“For us as a company, recruiting groundworker apprentices can be challenging. The work is physically demanding and takes place in all weathers, which may make it less appealing to some people. Demolition apprenticeships can also be tough, but the more we raise awareness of these opportunities, the easier it will become to attract talent.”