The Bedford College Group has been named by the Department for Education as the only college group operating across multiple regions to be appointed as its cross-regional Construction Centre of Excellence.
This appointment forms part of a wider national announcement revealing ten specialist Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs), each tasked with tackling the industry’s severe skills shortage.
One CTEC has been designated for each of the nine English regions, with The Bedford College Group confirmed as the tenth, as a unique cross-regional CTEC.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show more than 35,000 vacancies in the construction sector, and through these CTEC’s, the Government aims to train over 40,000 future construction professionals, including bricklayers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers and builders by 2029.
Bedford and Kempston’s MP, Mohammad Yasin (Labour), commented on the decision, claiming it will “deliver the workforce needed” to help aid the Government’s “ambitious” plan to build 1.5m new homes by the end of this Parliament.
“This is fantastic news for our learners and a strong endorsement of the college’s track record in delivering high-quality construction and technical training,” said Mr Yasin.
“As a designated CTEC, the college will now act as a regional hub for construction skills, working with employers and neighbouring providers to deliver the workforce needed for the UK’s growing infrastructure demands, and the Government’s ambitious plan to build 1.5 million homes.
“The CTEC programme, backed by £100 million in government investment, is designed to equip learners with the practical skills required to deliver high-impact projects in housing and infrastructure.
“This includes £80 million in capital funding and £20 million in revenue to expand state-of-the-art facilities, develop teaching capacity, and deepen collaboration with employers.
“With major developments like Universal Studios and East West Rail on our doorstep, it’s vital that local people have the training and qualifications needed to benefit from the jobs being created.
“Bedford College will now be at the forefront of making that happen, and I offer them every congratulations.”
Investment in future generations
Yiannis Koursis OBE, CEO of The Bedford College Group, commented: “We are delighted to have been selected by the Department for Education as the cross-regional Construction Technical Excellence College announced by the government this morning.
“This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise, and ambition of our staff, students and employer partners across Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and surrounding counties.
“The construction sector is central to delivering the homes, infrastructure and sustainable communities our country needs.
“By working in partnership with other colleges, training providers and industry leaders, we will help equip the next generation with the skills, knowledge and experience that employers demand, from cutting-edge technical training to real-world, site-based learning.
“Through this model, The Bedford College Group will provide coordination and support across regions and at a national level.
“We will support students and providers well beyond our own region, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all and that we respond flexibly to the diverse skills needs of local and national employers.
“This is not just an investment in training, it is an investment in the future workforce that will shape Britain’s built environment for decades to come.”
To find out more about the courses on offer across The Bedford College Group, you can visit https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/.
