Home / Nineteen new Technical Excellence Colleges selected
Nineteen new Technical Excellence Colleges selected
EB News: 15/04/2026 - 09:37
The government has announced the locations of 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges, backed by £175 million investment in skills training in priority areas.
This is the second wave of technical excellence colleges, which will begin delivery from this month, and will focus on advanced manufacturing, clean energy and defence, as well as digital and technologies.
It’s estimated that almost 600,000 additional workers will be needed by 2030 in these key sectors.
The £175 million investment will support the highest-quality teaching, improved courses and access to specialist equipment.
From Durham to Plymouth, the newly awarded colleges are strategically located to align with local industry demand, helping drive regional growth and train a skilled workforce where it is needed most.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "I want every young person to know there is a clear route into well‑paid work, whatever their background. These colleges put technical skills front and centre, opening up high‑quality jobs in the industries driving Britain’s future.
"We are backing talent across the country, strengthening our workforce and making sure opportunity is built into the system – not left to chance."
This builds on the first wave of Technical Excellence Colleges announced in August 2025, where investment of £100 million is already beginning to support improvements in facilities, teaching and employer partnerships.
The government is inviting EdTech companies and AI labs to develop AI tutoring tools, in collaboration with teachers, to ensure they support classroom practice.
Job adverts for secondary school teaching roles have dropped to their lowest level in nine years, raising fresh concerns about teacher recruitment in England.
New research suggests that eight out of 10 people (80%) back banning cars in streets around schools to encourage children to travel by healthier alternatives.