North Kent College has been selected to become one of just 10 specialist Technical Excellence Colleges across the UK, securing a share of £100 million in government investment aimed at transforming construction training.
This recognition places the College at the forefront of a national drive to address critical skills gaps in the construction industry, training the next generation of bricklayers, roofers, electricians and other key trades.
Strengthening Construction Skills in the South East
With campuses in Dartford, Tonbridge, Gravesend and Hadlow, North Kent College has a long history of delivering high-quality construction training. The new Technical Excellence College status will allow the College to expand this provision even further, ensuring local people are ready to take advantage of the thousands of jobs being created by major projects in the region, including the Lower Thames Crossing and Ebbsfleet Garden City.
A College spokesperson said:
“We are delighted to be part of this initiative, which will strengthen construction training across the South East. These are exciting times for Kent, and we look forward to working closely with our Kent partner colleges and supporting wider initiatives with other South East regional colleges to develop and enhance construction training and employer engagement.”
National Investment, Local Impact
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed that the £100m investment forms part of a wider government commitment to train homegrown talent and support economic growth, including its pledge to build 1.5 million homes.
The government expects the new Technical Excellence Colleges to train 40,000 construction students by 2029, working with training providers to raise standards and reduce reliance on overseas labour.
Currently, the construction industry faces a shortfall of around 35,000 skilled workers, according to the Office for National Statistics. The initiative aims to meet this demand while creating long-term career opportunities for people across the UK.
A government spokesperson added:
“This investment will allow the industry to draw on homegrown, British talent and ensure we have the workforce needed to deliver housing and infrastructure for the future.”