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News • September 16th, 2026
|On Friday, 11th September 2026, leaders from across Yorkshire and the Humber gathered at the Royal Armouries Museum to unveil ambitious plans to tackle the region’s growing construction skills shortages. This important event highlighted the urgent need for skilled workers in the construction sector, which is facing challenges due to a lack of trained professionals.
CTEC Network Launch
The gathering marked the launch of the new regional Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) network, hosted by Leeds College of Building (LCB). Over 160 guests from education, construction, and local government attended to hear how the CTEC network aims to build the skilled workforce needed to meet the demands of the industry.
Leeds College of Building is notable for being one of the first further education institutions in the UK designated as a CTEC. These colleges are specially funded by the UK government to address critical skills shortages in construction. The CTEC model operates through a ‘hub and spoke’ approach, with LCB serving as the regional hub for Yorkshire and the Humber. This means that LCB collaborates with local employers, regional authorities, and other educational and training providers to share resources, improve teaching standards, and increase access to quality construction training.
Focus on Inclusivity and Skills Development
After a year of planning and collaboration, LCB and its network of 22 partner colleges revealed their regional delivery plans at the event. The vision focuses on breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups, enabling more young people to start careers in construction. It also aims to support existing workers in developing new skills and advancing in their careers. The CTEC network will specifically target high-demand trades, such as:
These skills are essential for supporting major infrastructure projects, housing developments, and initiatives aimed at achieving Net Zero carbon emissions across Yorkshire and the Humber.
Meeting Workforce Demands
The need for more skilled construction professionals is significant. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that the UK will require over 41,000 additional construction workers each year, amounting to around 206,000 workers over the next five years. This demand arises not only from the need to replace an ageing workforce but also from a growing reluctance among workers to travel long distances for work.
Nikki Davis, CEO and Principal of Leeds College of Building, expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative efforts to develop the workforce:
“After a year in collaborative development, we were delighted to bring together our network of employers, fellow training providers, strategic authorities, national partners, and government representatives to share how the CTEC model will develop the vital construction workforce that our region urgently needs.”
Innovative Training Approaches
Rob Holmes, Vice Principal of Curriculum, Quality and Innovation and CTEC Lead at Leeds College of Building, emphasised the importance of filling crucial workforce skills gaps. He noted that the focus will include areas like green skills, digitisation, and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). By utilising cutting-edge specialist curricula and high-quality teaching practices, the CTEC initiative aims to create more pathways into skilled employment and drive economic growth in the region.
The CTEC network also aligns with the Department for Education's priorities and positions Yorkshire and the Humber at the forefront of sustainable further education. This focus reinforces the region's ambition to lead the transition to a low-carbon future.
Expansion of Training Facilities
As part of this initiative, Leeds College of Building is in the process of renovating a newly acquired building adjacent to its North Street Campus. This new site, measuring 5,000 square metres on Melbourne Street in Leeds, will expand LCB's facilities by one-third. The aim is to support the CTEC mission of training up to 40,000 additional individuals in high-demand construction trades by 2029. The renovation represents a significant investment in the future of construction training in the region, ensuring that more individuals have access to the skills needed for successful careers in this vital industry. The launch of the CTEC network is a promising step towards addressing the skills shortages in Yorkshire and the Humber, paving the way for a more robust and skilled workforce in the construction sector. As the region continues to grow and develop, initiatives like these are crucial for ensuring that the local economy remains resilient and capable of meeting future challenges.
