LCB welcomes expansion of technical education pathways

Leeds College of Building (LCB), a CIPHE Approved Training Centre, has welcomed the government’s plans to expand technical education pathways from age 14, saying the reforms strongly endorse the employer-led model it already delivers as the UK’s Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC). The college says the announcement creates a major opportunity to grow its capacity and support more learners and employers as demand for skilled construction professionals continues to rise.

Principal and CEO Nikki Davis said the reforms recognise the national importance of technical education. “Placing technical and academic pathways on an equal footing recognises the vital role that specialist education plays in supporting economic growth, improving social mobility and developing the skilled workforce our country needs.

“LCB has been delivering this vision for many years. The challenge is no longer demonstrating that this model works – it is ensuring we have the capacity to meet growing demand.”

The college’s proposed expansion would increase its estate by around a third, creating space for more than 2,100 additional learners and expanding specialist workshops, digital learning environments and employer-led training facilities.

The investment would strengthen the existing CTEC rather than create a new institution, enabling deeper employer engagement, more apprenticeships and clearer pathways into skilled work.