The Department for Education (DfE) has opened applications for 10 new technical colleges specialising in construction, first announced as part of a £600m skills package in March.
The Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs), backed by £100m in government funding, will each serve as a regional hub to boost advanced training in trades and engineering, with one located in every English region and one area receiving two.
The initiative is part of the government’s wider Construction Skills Action Plan to train 60,000 additional workers by 2029. Oversight will be provided by the newly established Construction Skills Mission Board, co-chaired by the DfE and Mace executive chair Mark Reynolds, also co-chair of the Construction Leadership Board.
Colleges must demonstrate financial strength, a “good” or “outstanding” Ofsted rating, and capacity to lead training partnerships with other providers across their region.
They must support at least 525 construction learners, with a high proportion achieving qualifications.
CTECs will operate a “hub and spoke” model, working with local further education providers and employers to share curricula, training, and professional development.
Capital funding of £80m and £20m in revenue funding have been earmarked for the programme, but access to capital will be determined through a separate process.
The DfE has warned there is no guarantee every CTEC will receive capital support.
The colleges are expected to boost on-site learning, increase employer involvement in course design, and facilitate high-quality industry placements. Bidders are encouraged to submit evidence of employer endorsements, which may be used to differentiate candidates in competitive regions.
The DfE will also consider recommendations from mayoral and combined authorities, particularly in areas with devolved powers and high infrastructure demand.
A tenth CTEC will be selected from the highest-scoring runners-up and will focus on supporting cross-regional delivery.
The announcement builds on a wider training package, which includes £165m to expand construction course capacity, £100m to extend Skills Bootcamps, and £40m for new foundation apprenticeships starting in August 2025. A £132m scheme – jointly funded with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) – will support more than 40,000 annual placements for learners on Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications.
Reynolds welcomed the investment, calling it a “hugely significant funding package” that would help firms gain the confidence to invest in new jobs and skills.
Tim Balcon, chief executive of the CITB, said it was a “once-in-a-generation chance” for the industry to train the workforce needed to deliver future growth.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on Friday 4 July 2025. A co-design process will run from September to April 2026.
Colleges will retain their CTEC status beyond that point, but performance will be reviewed, with funding and designation subject to withdrawal if standards are not maintained.
The tenth CTEC will be chosen from the highest-scoring region and will be expected to operate across regional boundaries, supporting national delivery and cross-regional programme activity
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Colin Marrs