The Government has announced ten technical colleges across England that will train 40,000 construction workers as part of its ambitious plan to build 1.5 million new homes during this Parliament. The Department for Education will invest £100 million in the training programme, which aims to upskill builders, bricklayers, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers by 2029.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign labour. The plans complement a separate target announced in March to train 60,000 construction workers, with an additional 100,000 workers to be recruited annually by the Construction Skills Mission Board by the end of Parliament.
College locations across England
The construction technical excellence colleges will be distributed across England's regions, with some existing institutions receiving additional government funding and support. Derby College Group will serve the East Midlands, whilst West Suffolk College covers the east of England and New City College operates in Greater London.
Northern England will be served by City of Sunderland College in the north-east and Wigan and Leigh College in the north-west. The south-east and south-west will be covered by North Kent College and Exeter College respectively, with Bedford College serving as a cross-regional institution, Dudley College of Technology in the West Midlands, and Leeds College of Building covering Yorkshire and the Humber.
Government backing for skills training
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "We need skilled workers to deliver the homes, schools and hospitals that communities across the country are crying out for, and today's announcement underlines our commitment to the next generation of homegrown talent." She added: "Construction Technical Excellence Colleges will enable us to invest in people and give them the skills they need to break down barriers to opportunity."
The announcement comes as government survey data reveals a concerning decline in construction training, with the percentage of firms funding or offering worker training falling from 57% in 2011 to 49% in 2024.
Industry welcomes investment
David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, described the announcement as "very positive news for people wanting good jobs, for the construction employers looking for skilled people and for the government's ambitions to build 1.5 million new homes." He emphasised: "It represents significant investment and trust in the 10 successful colleges, and the college sector, recognising their crucial role in boosting the country's construction sector by opening up high quality learning opportunities all over the country."
Tim Balcon, chief executive of the Construction Industry Training Board, said: "It's wonderful to see the progress being made towards establishing these technical excellence colleges for construction. They represent a transformative opportunity for people to complete local vocational training, helping to drive regional growth and nurture the next generation of skilled construction workers in local communities."
Opposition criticism
Shadow education minister Saqib Bhatti welcomed investment in skills training but criticised the government's broader approach. He said: "We welcome any investment into skills and training for British people, but this pledge rings hollow in the face of Labour's broken promises. What young people need are good and secure jobs, but thanks to Labour's jobs tax, jobs are being cut a record rates and unemployment is on the rise. Combined with Labour's cuts to Level 7 apprenticeships, this government is clearly not on the side our next generation."
Bhatti claimed: "Only the Conservatives are on the side of Britain's makers - those who work hard, do the right thing and want to get on, and only we can be trusted to deliver the low tax, pro-growth economy that supports jobs for the future."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
