Kent County Council, in line with central government thinking, has concluded that the most effective way of delivering its BSF Programme is by adopting the model of the Local Education Partnership (LEP).

A LEP is a public private partnership between a local authority, Partnerships for Schools (the national body responsible for delivering the Government's BSF programme) and a private sector partner selected in open competition under European Union procurement rules.

In Kent, wave 3 of the programme is being delivered through the Kent Local Education Partnership 1 (KLEP1). The partnership was established in October 2008 and is a joint venture company comprising KCC, Kier company plc, Northgate Managed Services and BSF Investments.

KLEP1 launches as National Skills Academy for Construction

Kent Local Education Partnership 1 (KLEP1) officially launched the KLEP1 National Skills Academy for Construction in September 2008.

The academy will offer a wide range of apprentice and training opportunities, made possible through the delivery of Kent’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Apprenticeship and training outcomes form only part of an agreed schedule of targets which will ensure that the Kent BSF programme delivers more than just buildings. Targets - focusing on value for money, continuous improvement, sustainability, partnership, customer satisfaction and added value - will ensure achievement and continued benefit to the schools and Kent communities.

The KLEP1 National Skills Academy for Construction requires each contractor to enter into further targets in relation to qualifying the existing workforce and developing a skills culture and infrastructure. This additional commitment will support excellence across all sites to the benefit of the county. ConstructionSkills is providing a £40,000 grant to fund a Project Skills Co-ordinator, which will be match-funded by Kent County Council.