Government Funding Boost for Leeds College of Building

New investment to support expansion and training facilities

Leeds College of Building (LCB) has received confirmation of a £15 million funding allocation from the UK Government, aimed at supporting the development of its new Construction Technical Education Centre (CTEC) building. The announcement was made by Chancellor John Healey during his budget speech to Parliament on 24 September.

Details of the funding and its impact

The funding forms part of a wider regional spending package intended to promote devolution and support local infrastructure projects across the country. For LCB, the investment will enable the college to expand its campus and increase capacity to accommodate more than 2,000 additional learners.

The Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building, Nikki Davis, expressed appreciation for the government’s recognition of the college’s role in technical education. She highlighted the importance of balancing technical and academic education pathways to meet the needs of the construction sector and the wider economy.

Partnerships and regional support

LCB also acknowledged the ongoing support from Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which have played a significant role in backing the college’s initiatives. The college emphasised its commitment to working with local schools and industry partners to provide expert-led training and to help address regional challenges such as youth unemployment and the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Background and future outlook

• Leeds College of Building was established in the 1960s and specialises in construction-related education and training.
• The new CTEC building is intended to enhance the college’s facilities and support a growing demand for skilled workers in the construction industry.
• The funding aligns with government goals to elevate the status of technical education alongside academic qualifications.

The college’s leadership expressed gratitude to staff and stakeholders for their collective efforts in advancing the institution’s mission and preparing for the expansion enabled by the new funding.

For further information about the new CTEC building and the college’s programmes, readers can visit the Leeds College of Building website.