National Recognition for LSST’s Community Impact and Skills Development Initiatives
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 22 June 2026
LSST has been highly commended at the Stronger Together: SNG Supplier Social Value Awards 2026, recognising LSST’s commitment to creating employment opportunities, developing skills and delivering lasting social impact through collaborative partnerships.
The national recognition celebrates organisations that are delivering meaningful social value through education, employment and engagement. It reflects LSST’s growing reputation as a leading provider of industry-focused learning that empowers individuals, supports employers and strengthens local communities in which it operates.
Ezekiel Afolabi, Employer Engagement Manager at LSST, said : “It was a privilege to represent LSST and celebrate with organisations that share our commitment to creating positive social impact. This recognition is a testament to the power of partnership and the collective effort required to create meaningful opportunities for people and communities.”
The recognition follows a significant year for LSST’s expanding vocational and employer-engagement activities, including the launch of LSST’s Construction Training Centre in Wembley. Developed to address critical skills shortages in the construction sector, the centre is creating new opportunities for learners to gain practical experience, industry insights and direct access to employment pathways.
A notable contributor to the award was LSST’s role in hosting the Serious About Youth (SAY) Construkt Programme earlier this year. Delivered in partnership with Serious About Youth (SAY), McConnell Group, and Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, the initiative brought together young people, employers, and industry professionals to showcase career opportunities within construction.
Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSST’s CEO, said:
“This recognition is a powerful endorsement of LSST’s enduring commitment to transforming lives through education, opportunity and social impact. We are honoured to be recognised alongside organisations that share our belief in the transformative power of skills and employment.
LSST’s mission extends far beyond academic achievement. We are committed to creating an ecosystem where education catalyses social mobility, economic participation and community prosperity. Through strategic partnerships with employers, industry leaders, local authorities and community organisations, we are building bridges between aspiration and achievement and ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can access meaningful opportunities and realise their full potential.”
Andrew Cooper, Head of Funding and Social Value, at SNG said:
“We were delighted to celebrate the impact of our suppliers and community groups through these awards, an effort that lies at the heart of our vision to deliver thriving communities over generations. By working together, we can achieve so much for communities and customers.”
Matt Garvey, Head of Further Education and Business Development at LSST, added:
“We are delighted to receive this recognition. The SAY Construkt initiative demonstrated what can be achieved when education providers, employers, and community organisations work together towards a common goal.
Hosting the event at our new Construction Training Centre enabled us to connect young people with industry professionals and reinforce the importance of social value in creating lasting community impact.”
Additionally, the Stronger Together Awards brought together organisations from across the country that are delivering measurable social impact through employment initiatives, skills development, community engagement and inclusive growth.
For LSST, the recognition represents another important milestone in its mission to widen participation, unlock learner potential and strengthen communities through education. Through continued investment in employer partnerships, vocational training, and industry-led learning, the institution remains committed to ensuring that educational opportunity translates into real-world success.
For additional information or interviews, please direct questions to LSST’s Public Relations Manager via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.
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