Lower Thames Crossing

The #LowerThamesCrossing is a low-carbon pathfinder project that will be delivered by local people, with support from specialists from all corners of the UK. Today we joined Ed Miliband and Lord Blunkett to see how our partner Skanska could use their Bentley Works facility in Doncaster. This facility provides jobs and skills in South Yorkshire and delivers low-carbon steel and green skills needed for the Lower Thames Crossing and other projects on the road to net zero.

REMINDER! There’s only two weeks left to apply for the Business Admin apprenticeship roles with Balfour Beatty to start working with us on the #LowerThamesCrossing this September. The deadline to apply is 17 April. This apprenticeship scheme is a great way of kick starting your career as you will have the opportunity to rotate and spend time in various key functions. There are three roles available, apply here: https://lnkd.in/evEsY4yV

On the #LowerThamesCrossing, we’re investing to fill skills shortages and support people into higher skilled and higher paid work. We’re creating Skills Hubs across Essex and Kent to support new entrants into the industry as well as offer upskilling opportunities for the existing workforce. We’re also delivering pre-employment programmes for disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, providing tailored support and the skills needed to be work-ready. We partnered with the Gallagher Group Ltd and Flannery Plant Hire to launch our first pilot skills hub last year. Watch our new video to hear from Sophie about how learning and working has enabled her to progress into a more senior position. Also hear from Jeff, who ran a training session during the launch event, about the opportunities available. Our hubs will be delivered in conjunction with government departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions, as well as charities such as Lighthouse; offering pastoral care alongside accredited training. https://lnkd.in/ePFvwk3n

We launched our Youth Ambassador Forum last year, to give young people in our local communities a way of getting involved with the #LowerThamesCrossing. We’ll share more info soon about recruiting for new members to join the forum. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eA_Py7_q

That’s a wrap on our #LowerThamesCrossing spotlight on carbon week! We hope you have found it interesting to learn more about our role as a pathfinder project, our ambitious low-carbon targets and our plans to get there. It was great to speak to our communities at our pop-up events, meet teachers eager to inspire the next generation and hear from local young people expressing their thoughts on the future of green infrastructure in their area.

Yesterday we spent the day with local teachers at an event to equip the next generation of engineers with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a sustainable future.   We also hosted an exciting debate with The Gifted Young Gravesham Youth Committee, where students passionate about their communities, the environment and construction were able to learn and discuss our plans for low carbon construction, voice their perspectives, opinions and challenges. Read more about our Youth Ambassador Forum: https://lnkd.in/eA_Py7_q

We asked David and his onsite advisor Lauren to reflect on the importance of internships for #NationalSupportedInternshipDay David said he’s looking forward to his next rotation and hasn’t decided what to do next because he wants to keep his options open. We’re working with our Delivery Partners and local stakeholders to break down barriers for students with special educations needs and disability. See more information on our website about the types of pre-employment programmes we’re looking to develop: https://lnkd.in/d3MJj3Fp

The #LowerThamesCrossing is designed to be the UK’s greenest road, with carbon reduction running through the heart of all our decisions. We've made huge progress already and set ourselves an ambitious target to reduce our construction carbon emissions by 70% – but our journey to explore and scale-up sustainable construction is just beginning... Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d4T7Gtsm

A few weeks ago, we introduced you to David, one of our Business Admin Apprentices. Before his apprenticeship, David joined the project on a supported internship. To celebrate #NationalSupportedInternshipDay we caught up with David about his journey so far. We want to ensure our local communities can take full advantage of the opportunities on their doorstep. Click to see more information about the types of pre-employment programmes we’re looking to develop: https://lnkd.in/d3MJj3Fp

SPOTLIGHT ON: Accelerating the large-scale use of electric vehicles! Diesel, concrete and steel are the highest contributors to our construction carbon emissions. By 2027, we will remove all diesel from our construction sites, accelerating the large-scale use of electric vehicles, biofuel and the use of hydrogen to power heavy construction machinery – a first for a major project in the UK. Earlier this month, we joined our partners at Tarmac for a showcase of some of the innovative EV fleet that could be used to build the #LowerThamesCrossing and help drive out carbon from the infrastructure industry.  From electric trucks and paving equipment to battery-electric excavators, the future of low-carbon construction is no longer a pipedream, it’s a reality.