Colleges in an impossible position on construction students, says AoC

Commenting on the Fabian Society report, Building skills: tackling the built economy skills crisis, David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges, said: "This is very timely and important report, reflecting what we hear from college leaders every day. There is strong learner, industry and government demand for construction and green skills, and colleges across the country are eager to train and upskill people of all ages to go on to successful careers in both sectors. However, the funding system which caps student numbers and funding cuts are putting colleges in an impossible position.

"A snap poll of our members found that around 15,000 potential construction students could be turned away from their local college this September because there isn't the funding available for training. To be in this situation when the government has set a huge housebuilding target is shocking. The report rightly points to the potential of CTECs and recommends a range of reforms which would boost demand, engage more employers in meaningful partnership with colleges and enable more people to get into the sector, thrive and remain. The government has made a good start to support a more skilled workforce in construction, and this report sets out more actions that are urgently needed to ensure the housebuilding and infrastructure ambitions are delivered."