AoC responds to construction funding package

Responding to the announcement of a £600million funding package to boost construction training, Association of Colleges Chief Executive David Hughes said: “A package worth £600m over four years to support 60,000 people into construction jobs, at a time where public spending is under significant pressure, is great news. It shows the Chancellor recognises that spending on skills is an investment, not a cost. It reflects the big increase in construction sector jobs which will be needed to build the homes, infrastructure and clean energy system the government is aiming for. And it shows faith in our colleges across the country, who deliver the majority of training places in construction. They will be able to scale up their offer with this package.

"This funding will allow colleges to grow their offer to young people and adults across the country, equipping thousands of people with the skills they need to get good jobs. While the funding is a significant and vital part of this announcement, so is the commitment from the construction employers. Their engagement to open up industry placements, offer more apprenticeships, support college teacher and curriculum development and to make the sector attractive to a more diverse workforce, particularly to women, is a significant enabler in attracting people into the industry. Colleges will welcome the strong employer commitment to working in partnership as much as they do the additional funding. ”