Building the future: 40,000 skilled workers to be trained in new technical excellence colleges
The construction sector has long been at the heart of Britain’s economic growth, but with demand for new homes, schools and hospitals continuing to rise, the industry faces a critical challenge: a shortage of skilled workers.
This week’s announcement of 10 new Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) marks a major step forward. Backed by a £100 million investment, these state-of-the-art institutions will train more than 40,000 learners by 2029, equipping them with cutting-edge skills in high-demand trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical installation.
A Homegrown Workforce for a Growing Nation
The TECs will be located across England, ensuring every region benefits from access to high-quality training. This investment not only supports the government’s ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes, but also tackles a persistent challenge: overreliance on overseas labour.
By building a pipeline of skilled, homegrown talent, the colleges will provide opportunities for young people starting their careers as apprentices, as well as upskilling existing workers seeking better-paid roles.
For employers, this means access to a workforce that is more responsive to industry needs. By working in partnership with businesses, local colleges, and communities, the TECs will align training with the skills that are most in demand, ensuring learners are job-ready when they graduate.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show there are around 35,000 unfilled vacancies in construction, underlining the urgency of this initiative. At the same time, fewer than half of Further Education learners currently progress into relevant roles in the sector.
The TECs aim to reverse this trend by raising standards, increasing employer engagement, and giving learners access to real-world, hands-on experience.
This initiative builds on the wider £625 million investment announced earlier this year, which will deliver up to 60,000 additional skilled workers through apprenticeships, bootcamps and industry placements. Together, these measures create a long-term framework for growth, ensuring Britain has the workforce it needs to deliver major infrastructure projects and housing targets.
Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity
The announcement coincides with the launch of the Youth Guarantee, offering every 18–21-year-old in England access to apprenticeships, training, or job support. With nearly one million young people currently not in education, employment, or training, the new colleges represent a crucial opportunity to bring more young people into stable, rewarding careers.
For Temple QMS, this investment reinforces a principle we hold strongly: quality management begins with quality skills. The ability to deliver safe, efficient and sustainable construction projects depends on a workforce that is trained to the highest standards. These new TECs not only future-proof the industry but also help drive cultural change, embedding excellence at every level of the sector.
The Colleges Leading the Way
The 10 Technical Excellence Colleges announced are:
Derby College Group, East Midlands
West Suffolk College, East of England
New City College, Greater London
City of Sunderland College, North East
Wigan and Leigh College, North West
North Kent College, South East
Exeter College, South West
Bedford College, cross-regional
Dudley College of Technology, West Midlands
Leeds College of Building, Yorkshire and the Humber
Operating through a hub and spoke model, these colleges will collaborate with local training providers and employers to share best practice, scale up training opportunities, and maintain consistency across the country.
Looking Ahead
The construction sector is one of the UK’s fastest growing priority industries. With aligned investment from government, training providers, and industry, these new Technical Excellence Colleges represent a transformative opportunity.
By investing in people, skills and quality, the TECs are laying the foundations for a stronger, more resilient construction workforce—one that will support growth, deliver homes, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
At Temple, we welcome this bold step forward and will continue to champion initiatives that strengthen quality, safety, and skills in construction.