The Kent Skills Hub at Hermitage Quarry has hosted its first group of local pupils, marking an early milestone for a facility designed to build the next generation of construction talent in Kent.
Twenty Year 12 students from The Malling School in East Malling took part in a week-long work experience programme at the Hub, which sits at the heart of Gallagher Group’s Hermitage Quarry site. Alongside training the next wave of construction industry workers, the Hub has been purpose-built to support local schools in delivering high-quality work experience placements.
Students were set a live business challenge focused on HGV road safety, working in teams to develop campaign concepts to raise awareness across Gallagher Group’s operations and the wider community. The week culminated in a Dragon’s Den-style pitch session to representatives from the school and Gallagher Group, with students also gaining exposure to budgeting and finance, product management, marketing and leadership during their time on site.
John Vennart, current head teacher, and Karen Davey, head teacher from September 2026, said the programme had given students an exceptional opportunity to experience the world of work first-hand, strengthening their communication, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving skills. They added that the partnership reflected the school’s commitment to building the character, confidence and employability skills young people need to succeed beyond the classroom.
Aaron Clark, HGV Transport Manager at Gallagher Group, said the pupils had been inspired by the chance to see Kent’s largest hard rock quarry up close, gaining valuable insight into the construction, quarrying and transport sectors alongside practical teamwork and presentation experience.
The Kent Skills Hub officially opened in June 2026, funded by Gallagher Group with match funding from the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Infrastructure Sector Skills Plan. It forms part of a wider effort to strengthen the skills pipeline supporting Kent’s construction and infrastructure sector.
