The event brought together a talented cohort of 40 learners from across the East Kent College Group, each demonstrating the technical skills, dedication and professionalism that will shape the future of the construction sector.

East Kent College Group is family of six community-based Colleges and nine Training Centres across East Kent.

Competitors took part across a range of key construction disciplines, including Bricklaying, Carpentry, Painting and Decorating, Bench Joinery and Plastering. Throughout the day, learners showcased not only their practical abilities but also the resilience and problem-solving skills that are essential within the modern built environment solving skills that are essential within the modern built environment.

We had the opportunity to speak to participants from both the Carpentry and Bench Joinery categories, who shared how valuable the competition experience is in building confidence, testing their skills under pressure, and preparing for progression into industry.

“My strong suit isn't really doing the rod drawings, I just feel like I've improved a lot more, especially now doing this competition.” – Joe, Bench Joinery Participant

“I think it's good to come into the competition and seeing the best of all the colleges, and you can sort of see where you stand, as a comparison to a wider area.” Callum, Carpentry Participant

Events like KFE4Skills play a vital role in developing confident, capable learners and strengthening the local skills pipeline.

Congratulations to all participants and thank you to East Kent Colleges Group, Folkestone College and the employers supporting the event.

We also spoke to Ashley Betteridge, Head of Built Environment at Folkestone College, who emphasised the importance of competitions like KFE4Skills in raising standards and helping learners recognise their own potential.

“The participants carrying out this competition enhance their skills and capability, it also makes them more work-ready and it gives them a bit more of a broad range of what they are going to experience in the real world.” – Ashley Betteridge.

“It's good for the employers to see what's coming through, and it's good for the young lads because they are putting themselves out to the employers. They might meet one of these employers in a job interview one day, and they're going to say,’ oh, I saw you doing that competition in Folkestone.’” - Kevin McGarry, Plastering Lecturer.

A key strength of the event was the active involvement of local employers, who attended as judges and industry representatives. Their presence ensured learners received meaningful, realworld feedback while also giving employers the chance to see firsthand the emerging talent within their local area. Judges commented on the exceptional standard of work produced across all categories, noting that judging took longer than usual due to the consistently high quality on display.

“We work with stakeholders and local companies. This enhances the learners’ experience, but also it gives them the opportunity to find out what industry materials are being used. So it gives them that broad range of experience and exposure” – Ashley Betteridge.

Events such as the KFE4Skills Heat highlight the vital role that skills competitions play in developing confident, capable learners who are ready to contribute to the construction workforce. We left Folkestone College inspired by the professionalism, creativity and potential shown by every participant.