The South East Construction Technical Excellence College (SECTEC) was formally launched at a Westminster reception on 30 April 2026, hosted by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Jim Knight) and supported by Policy Connect.
The initiative is led by North Kent College through the Kent Further Education Strategic Partnership, in collaboration with East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group) and MidKent College.
The event featured a keynote address from the Skills Minister, Baroness Smith of Malvern (Jacqui Smith), alongside contributions from a range of influential voices across education, government, and industry. Speakers included:
- Jim Dickson MP
- Andrew Geldard, CEO of Willmott Dixon
- Poppy Wilkins, Management Trainee at Willmott Dixon and former T Level student at North Kent College
- Mark Andrews, Deputy Executive Principal at North Kent College
- Graham Hastings-Evans, CEO of NOCN
- Claudia Jaksch, CEO of Policy Connect
The reception brought together MPs, policymakers, employers, and sector leaders to discuss the future of construction skills in the South East.
Discussions emphasised the critical importance of employer-led technical education in supporting regional economic growth, delivering major infrastructure projects, and accelerating housing development.
Through close collaboration with construction industry partners, employer representative bodies, and wider stakeholders, SECTEC will play a key role in addressing workforce shortages linked to major infrastructure and housing delivery targets. At the same time, it will support learners in progressing into high-quality, sustainable employment.
Click to find out more about studying construction at North Kent College, and you can also find out more about the South East Construction Technical Excellence College here www.sectechub.co.uk