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CEA and SDN partnership offers practical guidance on workforce skills and education

The CEA (Construction Equipment Association) has partnered with the Strategic Development Network (SDN) to help its members navigate the changing education and skills landscape in England. This collaboration is a direct response to conversations with CEA members. It aims to address one of the sector’s most pressing challenges: the growing skills gap, as highlighted in the CEA Manifesto. 

Attracting, developing and retaining a skilled workforce lies at the heart of every successful business. But for many in the construction equipment industry, particularly SMEs, knowing where to start can be difficult. England’s education system has undergone significant changes in recent years, making it a challenging landscape to navigate. From A Levels and T Levels to apprenticeships, further education, higher education and employer-led pathways, the landscape is often seen as complex and challenging to access. 

Businesses that engage early with the next generation of talent can gain a clear advantage. Recruitment becomes more focused and efficient. Existing employees can benefit from flexible reskilling or upskilling opportunities. Companies can take a more proactive approach to growth, supported by a workforce that is well-equipped to meet future challenges. In fact, 73% of SMEs agree that better understanding and involvement in recruitment and training make them more agile. 

To support employers across the sector, the Education Landscape programme provides clear and accessible resources that break down complexity and outline where and how businesses can engage. The guide, written in plain English, provides a concise overview of how the system works and identifies the key touchpoints for employers. It also includes a practical Index, summarising the different schemes and activities businesses may wish to get involved with, along with the business benefits and commitments required for each. The aim is to give employers the confidence to act. 

The resources are free to use and specifically designed to support SMEs across England. Future talent already exists within local schools, colleges, and universities—and these resources demonstrate how businesses can connect with that pipeline in practical and relevant ways, regardless of their size or location. 

Viki Bell, CEO of the CEA (Construction Equipment Association), commented on the collaboration: “We know from our members that the skills gap is one of the biggest challenges they face. The Education Landscape, developed in partnership with the Strategic Development Network, is a direct response to that. It simplifies a complex system and provides businesses of all sizes with the tools to engage – whether through apprenticeships, graduate schemes, or working with local schools. By helping our members connect with future talent, we’re supporting both immediate workforce needs and long-term resilience across the sector.” 

To bring the guide to life, the CEA has also shared success stories from member companies that are already working with the education system in various ways. These include Webtec’s work promoting engineering to young people through the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, and RSP Suction Excavators’ award-winning apprentice Joel Gardener. Xwatch Safety Solutions has shared the career journey of Max Harris, who progressed from graduate to design engineer, while Miller has highlighted the impact of their first welder and robot programmer apprentice, Nathan Rogerson. 

These real-world examples reflect a wide range of approaches—from early outreach in primary schools, to graduate development schemes and technical apprenticeships. They demonstrate that, regardless of a business's size, there are meaningful ways to engage with education and build the workforce of the future. 

The Education Landscape is now available to all CEA members, offering a valuable starting point for businesses looking to strengthen their skills pipeline, improve recruitment, and prepare for future growth. 

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