Nottingham College is preparing to establish a Centre for Sustainable Construction Technology at its Ruddington campus, with the first students expected in September 2026. The project is backed by more than £1.2m in Office for Students capital funding, supported by matched investment from the college.
The plan is designed to address persistent regional skills shortages. The centre will offer Level 4 and 5 qualifications in Modern Methods of Construction and Electrical Engineering, expanding the supply of higher technical training in low-carbon and advanced construction practices.
Janet Smith, CEO and Principal of Nottingham College, said: “This Centre for Sustainable Construction Technology will be a unique learning environment for students to develop the skills needed to be future ready. We are incredibly excited to be working towards the opening of this facility, as something of a ‘living laboratory’, where students will experience net zero construction through daily interaction with renewable energy systems, energy-efficient building services and environmental monitoring technologies.”
He continued: “Today’s announcement combines our commitment to sustainability with our agile response to local skills need, directly supporting our students embarking on a career in construction and green energy, and in turn contributing to the region’s economic growth and the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
The centre will occupy a refurbished building fitted with photovoltaic installation, LED lighting, and renewable energy training systems. Students will train on industry-standard equipment, including BIM workstations, timber frame assembly stations, and immersive digital technology for safety instruction.
The project reflects priorities set out in the D2N2 Local Skills Improvement Plan and Skills England’s focus on Construction, Clean Energy Industries and Advanced Manufacturing. It aligns with wider investment in the Trent Arc Corridor near Ruddington, where major housing development is planned.
Electrical engineering has been the college’s fastest-growing area over the past two years, providing a pipeline for further technical advancement. The new centre builds on recent expansion in engineering and green skills facilities across the college estate. All construction and installation work is scheduled for completion by March 2026.
