AoC responds to government announcement on new Technical Excellence Colleges

"Today’s announcement is very positive news for people wanting good jobs, for the construction employers looking for skilled people and for the government's ambitions to build 1.5million new homes. It represents significant investment and trust in the 10 successful colleges, and the college sector, recognising their crucial role in boosting the country’s construction sector by opening up high quality learning opportunities all over the country.

"These TECs represent a new era for the college sector, with government backing them to lead a step change in post-16 skills and education, reflecting the modern labour market and working in partnership with employers.

"There will, of course, be many colleges disappointed not to have been chosen, but they will continue to play a vital role in construction skills as part of the further education sector. Over time, we would expect to see more investment coming their way too from the wider package of measures the Chancellor announced on construction skills in March of this year.

"We look forward to supporting the TECs as leaders in the construction skills arena, partnering with employers, developing new courses and ensuring that innovation in construction techniques and approaches can be supported across all employers with skills training. We are also keen to help the TECs build their networks with other colleges in their areas."