The UK Government has announced the creation of ten new technical colleges across England, aiming to train 40,000 construction workers by 2029. The £100 million initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet the target of building 1.5 million homes during the current Parliament.
The new colleges, which include Derby College Group, West Suffolk College, and Leeds College of Building, will provide vocational training in key construction trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. The Government intends to enhance the skills of both existing workers and new entrants into the sector, addressing the shortage of skilled workers that has long hindered construction progress.
As part of the plan, 100,000 new construction workers will be recruited annually by the Construction Skills Mission Board. This initiative aims to reduce the industry’s reliance on foreign labour while supporting local economies through regional growth.
The announcement has been welcomed by the construction sector, which has faced a decline in companies offering training opportunities. A Government survey found that only 49% of construction firms provided training in 2024, down from 57% in 2011. The new technical colleges are seen as a crucial step in reversing this trend and ensuring the sector can meet its future demands.
