The government has named 10 specialist Construction Technical Excellence Colleges to train more than 40,000 future builders, bricklayers, electricians, carpenters and plumbers by 2029.

Backed by £100m of fresh funding, the newly-designated construction college hubs will be spread across every region of England, with hubs in Derby, Suffolk, London, Sunderland, Wigan, Kent, Exeter, Bedford, Dudley and Leeds.

The colleges, which already existed, will work on a revamped “hub and spoke” model, partnering with local training providers and employers.

10 newly-designated Construction Technical Excellence Colleges

The scheme aims to plug a major labour shortage in the sector, with ONS figures showing 35,000 vacancies.

Ministers hope the drive will reduce reliance on overseas workers and deliver the workforce needed for 1.5m homes, as well as new schools and hospitals.

It builds on a separate £625m training investment announced in March to create 60,000 skilled workers by 2029 through apprenticeships, bootcamps and industry placements.

Industry bodies including the Association of Colleges, CITB, ECITB, NHBC and Skills England have all backed the plan, calling it a “transformative opportunity” to modernise training and secure a skilled workforce for major projects like Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C and national housing delivery.

The 10 colleges will also help upskill existing workers, break down barriers for young entrants, and boost the proportion of learners moving into relevant jobs.