Region secures more funding to train next generation of construction workers

Thousands more young people across the region are to get the chance to train for a rewarding career in construction following a new Government funding announcement.

Dudley College of Technology has been named as one of ten National Centres for Technical Excellence for Construction (CTEC) to lead the way in boosting skills in all areas of construction including builders, bricklayers, engineers, surveyors, plumbers, plasterers and electricians, as well as green technology like solar panels and retrofit installation.

CTEC will share in £100m Government training funding over the next four years to accelerate the development of construction sector skills and will work with leading employers, professional bodies and fellow West Midlands education providers to ensure that people right across the region benefit from the new opportunities created.

A new army of construction workers are needed to meet demand for new housing and sites for industry – including delivering on mayor Richard Parker’s new Growth Plan which set a target to build 120,000 new homes over the next decade – including thousands of social homes – to help tackle the housing crisis.

And £2.4 billion has been secured to grow transport networks and services – including delivering new Metro, rail and bus routes across the region.

Mr Parker said: “Dudley has a proud history of making and building and this new status for Dudley College will help make sure it has a proud future too.

"Construction is vital to our economy and infrastructure - and it offers young people the skills to build a career in a sector that's in demand. 

"I'm pleased the government has committed this investment and I'll be working with them, Dudley College and local employers to make sure it delivers opportunities for people across the Black Country and the wider region.”

Dudley College already has an excellent track record in construction skills and the new CTEC will build on training already being offered at the Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre at Brierley Hill and the Advance Centre in Dudley.

This new status and additional funding will be used to expand training offers and share expertise with colleges and training providers to increase the supply of skilled workers across the region.

Diana Martin, chief executive and college principal said: “This is superb news and recognises the significant growth we have achieved over the last three years, by responding to the huge training opportunities presented by the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Growth Plan, which will build 120,000 new homes, and through WMCA’s commitment to Homes for the Future, drive progress to net zero.

“In becoming a Centre for Excellence, we will be able to accelerate our mission to train hundreds of learners, who will have limitless employment opportunities as we see exponential demand for skills across this sector.”