Lewisham College recently hosted a high-level roundtable discussion bringing together senior representatives from further education and the construction industry to examine the role of CSCS cards in supporting student progression into employment. The event was delivered in partnership with the Association of Colleges and the Construction Leadership Council, creating a collaborative space for meaningful dialogue on an issue central to workforce development.
The discussion focused on key themes affecting further education learners, including feedback on the current CSCS card system, the experiences of colleges supporting students through the process and the barriers that can prevent learners from progressing into construction roles. Participants also explored broader questions around industry requirements, including whether CSCS certification is necessary across all roles and how the system could better align with the needs of both employers and emerging talent.
Attendees shared insights from across the sector, highlighting both the value of the CSCS card in promoting safety and professional standards and the challenges it can present for learners seeking to enter the industry. The session encouraged open discussion around practical solutions, with a shared aim of improving access, flexibility and clarity for further education students.
As part of the event, guests were invited to tour Lewisham College's new facilities and dedicated testing centre. The visit provided a first-hand look at how the College is equipping learners with the skills, knowledge and certification pathways needed to succeed in construction careers.
Speaking following the event, Janet Smith, CEO of the Construction Skills Mission Board and Principal of Nottingham College, said: “I would like to thank Jamie and the team at Lewisham College for hosting us. We were a big collection of industry experts, FE representatives and colleagues from all around the country. We discussed the importance of meeting the government’s growth targets for the construction industry, the important role that further education colleges play in that, some of the barriers with CSCS cards and how to help our students access great industry placements so they can find their way through to all the exciting jobs that are waiting there for them.”
The roundtable underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration between education providers and industry leaders, reinforcing a joint commitment to developing more accessible and effective routes into employment for the next generation of learners.
By bringing together colleges, employer representatives and sector bodies, Lewisham College continues to support conversations that help shape skills development and create stronger progression pathways into employment. The event highlighted the important role collaboration plays in ensuring learners can access the opportunities, experience and qualifications needed to succeed within the construction industry.
