Young Britons to be trained in brand-new Technical Excellence Colleges
In a bold bid to plug Britain’s construction skills gap, ministers have announced a sweeping new plan to train 40,000 budding bricklayers, electricians, plumbers and carpenters – all in brand-new Technical Excellence Colleges. The scheme, part of a £600 million investment in skills, is designed to turbo-charge the workforce needed to deliver the Government’s promise of 1.5 million new homes and vital infrastructure. And it could spell a golden opportunity for anyone looking to start – or expand – their career in construction.
The Plan: Building Skills, Building Britain
Ten purpose-built Technical Excellence Colleges will soon open their doors, each kitted out with cutting-edge facilities and courses that mirror the exact needs of the construction industry. Backed by £100 million in funding, the colleges will focus on hands-on, real-world training. This is not about classrooms and theory – this is about getting people site-ready and in demand.
And the cash splash doesn’t stop there. The Government is also pumping:
£165 million into boosting construction courses at existing colleges.
£100 million a year into creating 40,000 industry placements for Level 2 and 3 learners.
£40 million into brand-new foundation apprenticeships in construction, set to launch in August 2025.
Why This Matters
The message from ministers is clear: if we’re going to build the homes Britain desperately needs, we need the workers to do it. This isn’t just a training scheme – it’s a blueprint for Britain’s future. From site managers to skilled tradespeople, the sector is crying out for talent. And with such a heavy Government investment, the timing couldn’t be better for school-leavers, career-changers, or even businesses looking to bring on apprentices.
Our View
This represents a once-in-a-generation effort to revitalise the UK’s construction workforce. Whether you are a student, a training provider, or a business owner, there is funding available and opportunity at hand.
How ATN can help
As an experienced accountancy practice, ATN Partnership can support you in navigating this evolving landscape:
Funding Guidance – We can help identify and apply for relevant grants and government incentives available to training providers and employers.
Budget Planning – We ensure your business can take on apprentices without compromising cash flow.
Return on Investment – We calculate the long-term financial benefits of developing an in-house skilled workforce.
Compliance Assurance – From payroll to apprenticeship levy obligations, we ensure full legal and financial compliance with minimal disruption.
If you think you could benefit from these changes but don’t know where to start, speak to our Client Managers who understand both the numbers and the nuts and bolts of the construction industry. You can call us on 01474 326224, visit our website (atnpartnership.co.uk) or email us at info@atnpartnership.co.uk.