The Bedford College Group has been named by the Department for Education as the only FE provider to be appointed as its cross-regional Construction Centre of Excellence (CTEC) to support multiple regions across the country.
One CTEC has been designated for each of the nine English regions, with the Group confirmed as the tenth, as a unique cross-regional CTEC. This appointment forms part of a wider national announcement revealing 10 specialist Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs), each tasked with tackling the industry’s severe skills shortage.
In turn, this means that the population of the South Midlands will directly benefit from this CTEC appointment.
Through these CTEC’s , the Government aims to train over 40,000 future construction professionals, including bricklayers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers and builders, by 2029. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show more than 35,000 vacancies in the construction sector, underlining the pressing need for this initiative. The Government is focused on delivering the workforce needed to build 1.5 million homes, along with new schools and hospitals across the country.
The new CTEC will create direct benefits for employers across the South Midlands. By tackling the construction skills shortage, it will support major infrastructure projects and housing developments by boosting the local talent pipeline. This initiative is designed to strengthen the regional economy by attracting investment and forging partnerships that give businesses access to a skilled workforce ready for future challenges.
We intend to develop a curriculum shaped by industry needs, incorporating Modern Methods of Construction, sustainable practices and advanced technical training. The Bedford College Group is set to work collaboratively with construction firms and sector leaders to ensure training aligns with real-world requirements, offering apprenticeships, work placements and upskilling opportunities. As the only cross-regional CTEC, the Group will coordinate provision across multiple counties, delivering flexible, employer-led services that make it easier for businesses to access talent and influence future skills development.
The Bedford College Group already delivers industry-leading provision across its sites, including the Modern Methods of Construction Centre in Bedford, state-of-the-art facilities at Tresham College in Corby, and comprehensive apprenticeship programmes in a range of construction trades. The Group is also involved in major infrastructure and development projects, including the Luton Airport Parkway runway works and the highly anticipated Universal Studios development.
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.
“The construction sector is central to delivering the 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.
“We will ensure 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.”
The Bedford College Group is excited to bring its passion, expertise and innovation to this national role, helping to inspire and train the next generation of construction professionals. With this appointment, The Bedford College Group will play a central part in building not just careers, but the future of the construction industry itself.
To find out more about the new CTEC measures and how they work, please visit Construction technical excellence colleges: selection criteria and application form – GOV.UK
