Leaky roofs, broken windows and dilapidated buildings at further
education colleges across England will be repaired thanks to a
£302m government cash injection announced today (1 April),
ensuring they can continue to break down barriers to opportunity
as part of the government's Plan for Change.
The funding, which was announced by the Chancellor in the Budget
in October, is the first condition allocation for FE colleges in
two years, demonstrating the government's commitment to investing
in the next generation by fixing, maintaining and improving
college buildings.
This will also ensure FE Colleges are able to attract and retain
learners, helping to boost the economy.
The government has listened to feedback from the sector, and for
the first time is giving FE colleges the discretion and
flexibility to decide how the funding should be spent –
recognising providers are best placed to determine their own
priorities to improve the condition and prevent the deterioration
of their estate.
Skills Minister said:
“Further education colleges are at the heart of our mission to
grow the economy and train the next generation of skilled workers
under our Plan for Change.
“But the college estate we inherited is simply not fit for
purpose. Today's funding addresses these issues, allowing
colleges to focus on what they do best: breaking down barriers to
opportunity and inspiring the workforce of the future.”
Colleges in Greater Manchester and Leeds will also benefit from a
£20m boost to capacity funding for 16-19 year olds to address a
shortage of places.
The funding will create much needed places across the two areas,
ensuring more learners will be able to access crucial skills
training.
This follows the Chancellor's announcement of £100 million of new
investment to further build capacity in the construction sector,
establishing ten new Technical Excellence Colleges. This is part
of a £600m investment that will help to train up to 60,000 more
engineers, electricians and builders by 2029.
The government continues to improve post-16 education, with
changes to English and maths requirements that will see up to
10,000 more apprentices qualify each year in key sectors, and new
shorter apprenticeships announced during National Apprenticeship
Week. Changes to end point assessments will also mean it is even
easier for businesses and providers to support getting people
into the workforce.
Last year the Education Secretary announced new Construction
Skills Hubs, funded by industry, which will also speed up the
training of construction workers crucial to supporting the
government's homebuilding drive.
