Leeds College of Building launches regional construction skills initiative

Leaders in Yorkshire and the Humber have launched a regional initiative to address construction skills shortages through the Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) network. Hosted by the Leeds College of Building (LCB), the network utilizes a ‘hub and spoke’ model, with LCB serving as the regional hub alongside 22 partner colleges to share expertise and improve training standards.

The initiative aims to train workers in high-demand trades such as carpentry, bricklaying, electrical work, and roofing to support housing, infrastructure, and Net Zero projects. This comes as the Construction Industry Training Board estimates the UK requires over 41,000 additional construction workers annually.

To support this mission, Leeds College of Building has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council to develop a new 7,000-square-meter facility on Melbourne Street. The proposed site will include practical workshops and classrooms, expanding the college's estate by approximately 25% to provide the capacity needed for regional and national skills priorities.