Burnham’s technical education reforms bolster Leeds College of Building plans
Plans to strengthen technical education from the age of 14 come as the college is seeking £12m investment to expand its campus by around a third in response to growing demand for construction training.
The Construction Technical Excellence College has welcomed the reforms, which aim to place technical and academic pathways on an equal footing while strengthening links between education, employers and regional skills needs.
If approved, the project would create capacity for more than 2,100 additional learners and provide new specialist workshops, teaching facilities, digital learning spaces, and employer-led training environments.
Leeds College of Building said the expansion would enable it to increase apprenticeship provision, higher technical education and adult skills programmes, while supporting employers facing ongoing skills shortages across housing, infrastructure, retrofit, and net zero projects.
The college also believes the additional capacity would strengthen its work with schools as technical education is opened up to younger learners, helping create clearer pathways into construction careers from the age of 14.
The government’s reforms are intended to give young people greater access to technical education and improve alignment between education providers, employers and regional economic priorities.
LCB said the policy direction supports the employer-led model it already delivers as a CTEC, and provides an opportunity for government investment in specialist construction training infrastructure.
The college is now seeking backing from Government and regional partners, including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to secure the capital funding required to deliver the expansion – the specific amount is undisclosed.
Nikki Davis, principal and chief executive of LCB, said: “This announcement sends a powerful message that technical education is fundamental to the UK’s future prosperity.
“Placing technical and academic pathways on an equal footing recognises the vital role that specialist education plays in supporting economic growth, improving social mobility and developing the skilled workforce our country needs.
“Leeds College of Building has been delivering this vision for many years. As a UK CTEC, we have built our reputation on working in partnership with employers to provide industry-led technical education that responds directly to workforce demand and prepares learners for successful careers.
“The challenge is no longer demonstrating that this model works – it is ensuring we have the capacity to meet growing demand.”
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