who we are
About CTECs
Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs) are part of a national programme designed to boost construction skills in response to employer need and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes, major infrastructure projects and the transition to net zero.
These specialist FE colleges work with businesses, local government and regional partners to deliver high‑quality training, excellent teaching, and clear pathways into skilled construction careers, ensuring every region has access to the workforce it needs.
What are CTECs?
CTECs are specialist Further Education colleges designated by the Department for Education to lead construction skills development across England. They form part of a national programme designed to boost construction skills, support major infrastructure and housing commitments, and supply the workforce needed for a modern, productive construction industry.
CTECs work with employers, local government, and education partners to deliver high‑quality teaching, specialist curricula, and accessible pathways into skilled construction careers
High-quality, industry-aligned training
CTECs co-design their offer with employers to ensure training meets current and emerging skills needs – including those linked to housing, infrastructure, clean energy, and net-zero goals.
Improved teaching and professional development
CTECs develop specialist curricula, pilot new qualifications, raise teaching standards, and share high-quality CPD with partner providers across their region.
Stronger regional collaboration
CTECs work closely with SAs, ERBs, and FE providers to coordinate regional construction skills delivery and avoid duplication.
Clear pathways into skilled employment
Learners benefit from employer-linked training, industry placements, and clear progression routes into technical roles, apprenticeships, and higher education.
Specialist resources shared across the sector
Through the hub-and-spoke model, specialist resources, teacher training, and innovation developed by CTECs are shared widely – raising quality across all providers offering construction training.
The Bedford College Group’s role
The Bedford College Group serves as the national, cross‑regional CTEC, working alongside the nine regional CTECs. Its role is to:
Provide coordination and support across all CTECs nationally.
Support systems level stakeholder mapping across the sector.
Lead the development and sharing of best practice, specialist resources, and innovation.
Strengthen cross‑regional collaboration and ensure consistency in delivery.
Offer expertise to spoke providers nationwide through the hub‑and‑spoke model.
Frequently Asked Questions
The government created CTECs to address national construction priorities and workforce challenges.
Their five official objectives are to:
- Boost construction skills provision in response to employer needs.
- Deliver high‑quality teaching and curricula, including CPD with strong employer input.
- Leverage employer engagement and investment to strengthen training.
- Collaborate with other FE providers to expand regional provision and quality.
- Promote clear pathways into employment or higher‑level construction education.
There are 10 CTECs: one in each English region plus Bedford College as the national cross‑regional CTEC.
The government has committed £100 million across the Parliament to establish and support construction CTECs.
They address construction skills shortages, low productivity, recruitment challenges, and the need for industry‑aligned training to support housing, infrastructure and green construction goals.
Learners gain access to specialist facilities, clearer career pathways, employer‑linked training, and high‑quality teaching shaped by current industry needs.
Spoke providers are FE colleges or training organisations that partner with their regional CTEC to deliver high‑quality, employer‑aligned construction training across the region. Through this partnership, specialist knowledge, teaching resources and innovation from the CTEC are shared so that learners can access excellent provision locally.
You will benefit from:
- Participation in a national skills excellence network.
- Access to specialist CTEC materials and CPD.
- Support with employer engagement and industry placements.
- Contribution to coordinated regional construction provision.
To become a spoke, providers should:
- Contact their regional CTEC to express interest.
- Demonstrate willingness to collaborate on shared delivery and curriculum planning.
- Align provision with regional skills needs identified by SAs and ERBs.
- Participate in CTEC‑led co‑design, CPD and knowledge‑sharing.
Your regional CTEC can discuss partnership options and guide you through the onboarding process.
Become a partner
Shape future skills
Influence training to reflect real industry needs and help develop a workforce with the right skills for today’s construction sector.
Raise your industry profile
Position your organisation as a leader in supporting education, social mobility, and the future of the construction industry.
Local impact, national reach
Engage at a regional level while contributing to a nationally recognised programme tackling skills shortages.