Construction Skills Training 2025-04-28
2025-04-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP referenced a major investment plan for central Gateshead, including £1.2 billion of inward investment and the creation of 15,000 construction jobs over several decades.
Our plans for the renewal of central Gateshead are by far the most exciting investment opportunity in north-east England, with £1.2 billion of inward investment, thousands of new homes and public transport infrastructure, meaning 15,000 construction jobs over the next few decades. Gateshead college, right at the heart of the development zone, is rapidly increasing places on its superb construction course, but much more is needed. Will the Secretary of State meet me and Gateshead college to discuss super-charging construction skills to deliver our plan for growth?
I have visited Gateshead college to see the fantastic work it does on digital skills, but I know that it has also developed innovative, flexible apprenticeships for careers in building design and construction, which I hope can be replicated elsewhere. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend and perhaps to visit Gateshead college to learn more about what it is doing on construction.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP highlighted concerns raised by Chichester college regarding a loophole in the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 that prevents further education colleges from obtaining public investment.
Further education colleges such as Chichester college in my constituency are vital to the delivery of construction apprenticeships and skills training. Many colleges, however, have raised a concern with me that a loophole in the last Government’s Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022, which brought colleges back into the public sector, means that they cannot go out and get public investment into their colleges. What is the Minister doing to address their concerns and ensure that FE colleges can invest in the facilities and courses needed to train our future construction workforce?
The hon. Lady raises an important point about that reclassification. Through the construction announcement we made ahead of the spring statement, we created a capital pot for employer-led and match-funded projects to ensure that we are really working to deliver some of the programmes that are needed. We are also investing more in further education—again through boosting teaching in this area—and making sure that young people have access to industry placements, which we know are crucial in making sure that they succeed, especially in areas like construction.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the specific loophole issue raised by the MP and instead spoke about general investments in further education and apprenticeships.
Response accuracy