Leeds College of Building

Leeds College of Building (LCB) is the UK’s only specialist further education college dedicated entirely to Construction and the Built Environment. As the lead institution for the Yorkshire & Humber Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), LCB brings together colleges, training providers, employers and civic partners across one of the largest and most diverse construction regions in England.

Led by Rob Holmes (Vice Principal, Curriculum, Quality and Innovation) and Sarah Carter (Project Manager, CTEC), the Yorkshire & Humber CTEC is a collaborative partnership of further education colleges, independent training providers, industry representatives and regional stakeholders. Together, the network works across the full Yorkshire & Humber footprint to strengthen construction education, align training with employer demand and ensure the region develops a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals.

The partnership spans multiple Strategic Authority areas and works closely with regional employers, industry bodies and Local Skills Improvement Plans to map construction provision, identify skills gaps and ensure training is aligned with major infrastructure and development programmes. Through this work, the CTEC aims to position Yorkshire & Humber as a nationally recognised centre for excellence in construction education and skills development.

A key priority for the CTEC is strengthening teaching capacity across the sector by supporting recruitment and development of industry-experienced construction educators. The partnership is also developing networks of good practice across providers, sharing expertise in areas such as Artificial Intelligence in construction, inclusion and SEND provision, sustainability, and digital skills.

The CTEC aims to increase participation in both apprenticeship and full-time construction programmes across the region, creating stronger pathways into employment and higher-level study. By aligning education providers, employers and civic leadership, the partnership seeks to build a coordinated construction talent pipeline that supports regional economic growth and addresses critical workforce shortages.

Early collaborative initiatives include regional CPD programmes for construction educators, employer advisory boards shaping curriculum development, and cross-college collaboration around digital construction skills and inclusive teaching practices. The Yorkshire & Humber CTEC will also showcase regional innovation at UKREiiF in May 2026, demonstrating how education providers, employers and partners are working together to develop the next generation of construction professionals.