Hundreds more people across East Lancashire will be able to train for careers in construction after East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG) secured £2.6 million of Government funding, alongside its own investment, to deliver a £3.3 million expansion of its industry-standard construction facilities at Accrington and Rossendale College
The funding, awarded through the Department for Education’s Construction Skills Capacity Fund, will transform construction training at the college, creating state-of-the-art learning environments that will help address the growing demand for skilled workers across Lancashire and beyond.
The investment will significantly increase the college’s capacity to train young people and adults in construction, supporting careers in trades that are critical to delivering new homes, major infrastructure projects and the transition to greener technologies.
The project will see the creation of a new multi-skills construction training zone, alongside expanded specialist workshops for plumbing, electrical installation, site joinery, carpentry and bench joinery. Existing facilities will also be reconfigured to create larger, more flexible teaching spaces that reflect modern construction methods and the needs of today’s employers.
The development has been shaped in partnership with more than ten construction employers, who are supporting the project through financial contributions, specialist equipment, industry expertise and opportunities for learners.
Lisa O’Loughlin CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of East Lancashire Learning Group, said:
“This is a transformational investment, not only for our college but for the communities and employers we serve.
“Construction is one of the region’s fastest-growing sectors, yet employers continue to face significant skills shortages. This funding will allow us to train many more people in industry-standard facilities that reflect the realities of today’s workplace.
“By working hand in hand with employers, we’re ensuring our learners develop the skills, experience and confidence they need to progress into apprenticeships, higher education and highly skilled careers, while helping businesses access the workforce they need to grow.”
The investment responds directly to priorities identified in the Lancashire Local Skills Improvement Plan, which highlights a growing need for skilled construction workers across the region. It also supports the Government’s wider ambitions to build more homes, deliver major infrastructure projects and expand high-quality technical education to meet future workforce needs.
It also builds on East Lancashire Learning Group’s reputation for delivering high-quality technical education in partnership with industry, ensuring learners develop the skills employers need both now and in the future.
Sarah Smith MP welcomed the announcement, saying:
“I’m delighted to see £2.6million of Government investment towards our local college’s technical facilities.
“We have a skills gap that must be tackled, and this investment will help give young people the practical skills they need for good careers, helping more people into work and tackling the NEET crisis.
“I welcome this announcement from the Government and remain personally committed to helping to get Hyndburn working and creating more opportunities for people across our community.”
The project forms part of East Lancashire Learning Group’s wider commitment to investing in industry-standard learning environments that give learners access to the facilities, technology and employer connections they need to succeed in modern technical careers. Over the past five years, the Group has invested more than £32 million in improving its campuses, creating outstanding learning environments that reflect the quality of education and training it delivers and the needs of employers across the region.
