More than 180 colleges will receive a share of £200 million to
begin immediate work from this September to repair and refurbish
buildings and campuses so they continue to be great places to learn
for the local communities they serve, the Education Secretary Gavin
Williamsonannounced today (19 August).
The funding marks the latest step in the government’s drive to
overhaul further education and deliver the skilled workforce
employers and the economy need, and that will help level up
skills and opportunities for more people across the country.
The cash boost forms part of a major £1.5bn investment that will
transform colleges over the next 5 years. This initial investment
is being fast-tracked so colleges can kick-start work this year
and so students and staff will benefit a least a year earlier
than originally planned.
Education Secretary said:
“We want to build a world class further education system which
delivers for the whole nation, and a key part of this is ensuring
colleges are fit for the future - with better facilities and
brand-new buildings.
“It is brilliant news that more than 180 colleges will receive a
share of £200 million so they can start immediate work to
renovate buildings and facilities, with further funding being
invested over the next 5 years.
“We want all students to continue to receive high-quality
education and training, no matter where they grow up or what
college they go to. Now more than ever, it is vital that colleges
can support their students to gain the skills they need to
progress and help the economy to recover and grow.”
David Hughes, Chief Executive of The Association of Colleges
said:
“Colleges will be pleased to see their individual allocations as
they prepare to provide training, skills and education to over 2
million young people and adults next year. It will help them
provide the facilities, advice, support, and high quality
teaching they deserve and need.
"This capital resource, for bringing building and digital
infrastructure up to date is important but they will need to move
quickly to spend this money. The college condition survey
confirms that there has been underinvestment in the college
estate in recent years so it is good news that the Treasury has
allocated money for a five year programme to put this right and
to ensure that future students and apprentices learn and train in
world-leading environments.”
The funding comes ahead of the publication of a White
Paper this autumn setting out plans to build a
high-quality further education system that will provide the
skills that individuals, employers and the economy need to grow
and thrive.
Work is already underway to transform technical and vocational
education and training in this country, including the
introduction of new T Levels from September – high-quality
technical courses equivalent to three A levels - and working
with employers to create more apprenticeship opportunities.
The government is also establishing a network of twenty Institutes
of Technology. These are collaborations between universities,
FE colleges, and leading employers. They specialise in delivering
high-quality higher technical education and training in STEM
subjects, such as digital, advanced manufacturing and
engineering. Backed by up to £290 million in capital funding to
help provide cutting-edge industry standard facilities and kit,
they will help deliver the skilled workforce employer need.
Later this year, the government will launch a 2nd competition to
ensure that all parts of England is covered by Institutes of
Technology, so everyone has the chance to gain higher technical
skills and help unlock growth across the country.
