Innovative SectorBased Work Academy Programme Launched

transforming lives through the power of learningand this project is a great reflection of this.

“We very much look forward to this project progressing and the value it will bring to the community now and for many years to come.”

David Rowsell, managing director at Kier Construction London, says: “We are delighted that London South East Colleges has appointed us to help regenerate its Greenwich campus.

“This will be a new state-of-the-art facility, with a range of sustainability features included, which we are well-placed to deliver thanks to our Kier end-to-end capabilities, including in-house design, decarbonisation and MEP engineering expertise, and our extensive technical experience.

“We know how important this college is to the people of Greenwich and the local community, and we look forward to providing them with a brandnew campus building which will support learning for local students.”

With contracts now signed securing the final stages of the project, construction is progressing and the new campus is expected to open its doors to students in late 2025.

For more information, visit: www.LSEC.ac.uk

Recognising green skills as a central theme in the Local Skills Improvement Plans, the college has partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Quantum (an Independent Training Provider), and Daikin (a green products manufacturer) to pilot the Green Skills Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP).

This five-week programme, which aims to align education and training with the evolving needs of industry, is being hosted at the college’s state-of-the-art Green Skills Lab at the Bromley Campus. 20 learners over the age of 18 have been recruited by the DWP, with funding from the Local London Mayor’s Skills Academy Green Hub initiative.

Learners will receive comprehensive training in employability and green skills. The programme includes opportunities to earn a Level 1 Health and Safety qualification and a Level 2 City & Guilds accreditation in sustainable energy and renewable technologies. Additionally, participants will have the chance to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, facilitating their entry into the construction industry.

Every participant to complete the programme will get a guaranteed job interview with Daikin and Quantum for all participants, reflecting the commitment to support learners in securing employment.

The project has been developed by London South East Colleges, led by Nina Sian, Director of Employer Engagement and Innovation and Liz Lake, Group Director of Strategic Projects and Partnerships. Nina says: “Our goal is to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in the green sector. The SWAP programme not only helps to address the skills gap but also opens up exciting career opportunities for our learners. We are delighted to be working with industry leaders like Daikin and Quantum to make this a reality.”

Looking ahead, the college plans to expand the SWAP programme with a Green Construction Skills Bootcamp, pending a funding application made to the Greater London Authority (GLA). This proposed bootcamp would further utilise the Green Skills Lab to provide more extensive training, enhancing career prospects for people across the Borough in the green industries.

Maria Gonella, Managing Partner, Quantum Group, adds: “We are so pleased to be working with London South East Colleges, a forwardthinking college group, on this initiative that is a positive step to ensuring people of all backgrounds and ages have an opportunity to transition into a renewable job market. Education is key to much-needed change, and this five-week programme will provide a foundation for the necessary green skills.”

At Lewisham College, we are committed to partnering with businesses to shape the workforce of tomorrow. As one of London’s leading educational institutions, we collaborate closely with companies of all sizes, facilitating development, recruitment of new talent and upskilling of existing staff. Contact us to:

» Join our Employer Advisory Boards

» Give industry talks

» Recruit a diverse group of young people and adults to join your workforce.

» Offer taster, work experience and placements around your business needs.

» Access Government funded training to develop your existing workforce.