National Highways has today (Wednesday 29 October) opened the first of its new Skills Hubs in Gravesend, to provide free work-based training for local people who want to join or learn new skills in the construction industry.
The Lower Thames Crossing is one of Britain’s most important economic infrastructure projects, that will tackle congestion on the Dartford Crossing and create opportunities for work and businesses by creating a reliable new link between the ports of the south east, the Midlands, and the north.
It will create new jobs and offer local people new skills by recruiting around half of its workforce within 20 miles of the project. The Skills Hubs will develop a local workforce with the skills needed to deliver the Lower Thames Crossing, and help the wider construction industry deliver the existing pipeline of infrastructure projects.
As the first major project in the UK to be carbon neutral in construction, the Skills Hubs will also help develop a workforce with the skills needed to use a new generation of machinery and materials such as hydrogen powered excavators and low-carbon concrete and steel.
The initiative will also help the National Highways project to tackle local and industry skills shortages, with an estimated 35,000 construction sector vacancies across the country.
Lord David Blunkett, Skills Advisor, Lower Thames Crossing, said: “We all want to see economic growth across the country that delivers real opportunities for people to improve their lives. Infrastructure projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing have the unique ability to deliver on this.
“Today’s launch of the Lower Thames Crossing Skills Hub in Gravesham demonstrates the ability of once in a generation infrastructure projects to provide local people with new skills. The Skills Hub can act as a catalyst for lifelong careers in the construction sector, ensuring participants receive accredited qualifications and a guaranteed job interview.
“The Skills Hub will help unlock the regional and national economy, strengthening the local supply chain and ensuring construction projects of the future can draw upon a robust workforce.
“I look forward to the Lower Thames Crossing’s continued commitment to skills development and creating the next generation of construction workers.”
Dr Lauren Sullivan MP said: “It’s only right that local people benefit first from the new jobs and training opportunities from this nationally significant project, particularly as the Lower Thames Crossing will have the most impact on Gravesham and its residents.
“I’ve been clear since the project’s announcement that Gravesham’s young people and our small and medium businesses should have priority access to the investment and support that has been promised. I’ll continue to hold National Highways to account for their promises so that they deliver for Gravesham’s residents and businesses who should now get full access to the jobs and training on our doorstep.”
The project also plans to open a Skills Hubs in Essex, to help local communities north of the Thames develop new skills and access jobs created by the project. The opening of the Gravesham Skills Hub comes one year after the successful pilot scheme which included prisoners on day release from HMP Standford Hill, giving them some of the skills needed to secure permanent employment.
Paul Barber, CM Activities, HMP Standford Hill, said: “The Lower Thames Crossing Skills Hub is giving prisoners the chance to change their own futures —through real qualifications, meaningful work experience, and the dignity of being trusted again. This isn’t just rehabilitation; it’s empowerment.”
The Skills Hub is being delivered with Skanska, who will build the new road in Kent, working together with the Department for Work and Pensions, Kent County Council and Engage. Train. Support. Ltd.
The project received planning permission in March 2025 and is now working with the government on funding options. Construction could start as early as 2026, with the new road expected to open in the early 2030s.