£21m construction skills boost for South West as Exeter College expands training

Exeter College could benefit from a major, new government funding scheme aimed at expanding construction training across the South West, although specific allocations have not yet been confirmed until the middle of the new year. 

Further education providers in the South West region could benefit from more than £21 million in government funding intended to increase college capacity and address skill shortages in the construction sector, with Exeter College among those included in the programme. 

The funding is part of a wider £570 million national investment to expand further education facilities and create additional training places, aimed at increasing the number of skilled workers entering the construction industry.

Exeter College has been named as a potential recipient of the funding, but confirmed that final allocations and specific details are not expected to be confirmed until mid-next year.

Information from the Department for Education says that, across the South West, the construction industry is estimated to need an additional 4,220 workers each year. 

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Under the funding breakdown announced this week (Monday 15 December), Devon and Torbay are set to receive more than £3 million, with Cornwall and the West of England each allocated more than £9 million.

The Department for Education said the figures announced relate to overall funding for strategic authorities, rather than individual colleges.

 A spokesperson said: “What we announced yesterday was the overall funding allocation for Devon and Torbay and Cornwall strategic authorities, which totals £21 million.” 

“Full allocations will be decided by the relevant strategic authority, and are unlikely to be confirmed until the middle of next year at the earliest.”

As a result, Exeter College said there is currently no further detail available on what level of funding it may receive until decisions are made locally.

The investment is intended to help colleges expand workshops, classrooms and specialist facilities, allowing more students to access construction-related courses. 

Exeter College is currently designated as the South West’s Construction Technical Excellence College and offers more than 20 construction-related apprenticeships, T Levels and full-time programmes, including bricklaying, carpentry, plastering and surveying.

A spokesperson for Exeter College said the programme acknowledges the increasing need for skilled construction workers in the region.

“There is a clear and growing need for new construction workers across the South West. Meeting that demand will require all the right conditions, from more training opportunities to strong, proactive employer engagement,” the spokesperson said.

“Funding that supports local colleges such as Exeter College to deliver the courses needed to address these skills gaps is a hugely positive step. It will strengthen the region’s construction workforce and ensure we can play our part in helping deliver the major projects planned for the South West.”

“We were proud to be selected by the Government as the South West’s Construction Technical Excellence College, recognising our high-quality technical curriculum and strong partnerships with employers.” 

“Any additional targeted funding would allow us to build on those foundations and expand the provision we currently offer.”

Students at the college say the courses provide a clear pathway into the construction industry. 

Ami Fulton, a first-year student studying T Level Design, Surveying and Planning, said the course offered a direct route into the sector.

“It gives you a direct route into construction,” she said. 

“It’s classroom-based with presentations and learning, but it also includes work experience, which really helps you understand how everything works in practice.”

She added: “I chose it because I want to build houses and be part of construction projects.”

Fellow first-year student Valerie Muzemda, who is also studying the same T Level, said the balance of theory and practical experience had been a key factor in her decision.

“The course is specialised in what it covers, so you’re learning exactly what you need,” she said. 

“You’re in the classroom, but you also get opportunities for work experience, which makes it really helpful and practical.”

Like Ami, Valerie said her motivation came from a long-standing interest in construction. 

“I’ve always had a passion for building houses, and this felt like the right route for me,” she said.

Nationally, the funding aims to help train an additional 60,000 construction workers by the end of the current Parliament, supporting government plans to build 1.5 million new homes.

Applications are also opening for the next wave of Technical Excellence Colleges in areas including clean energy, digital and advanced manufacturing.

Final decisions on how the South West funding will be distributed are expected to be made by local strategic authorities, with confirmation not anticipated until next year.