Exeter College unveils strategic plan to tackle the South West’s construction skills shortage
The South West region’s Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), Exeter College, has announced its initial plans to deliver its CTEC program and lead the region’s response to the construction industry’s growing skills challenge.
Across the UK, nearly 48,000 additional construction workers are needed each year to meet demand. The sector currently faces more than 140,000 vacancies, and by 2027, it will require an estimated 225,000 new recruits.
On Friday 21 November, Exeter College outlined its strategy to help bridge this gap and boost the pipeline of skilled workers across the whole of the South West. Speaking to 40 representatives from regional colleges, employer representative bodies (ERBs) and local authorities at its Future Skills Centre, the College detailed initiatives to promote collaboration, strengthen employer engagement, expand construction training provision, and create clear career pathways for learners.
Elements of the plans include:
-
Working with delivery partners to support colleges and private training providers across the region
-
Facilitating direct engagement with employers to understand challenges and improve collaboration between the education sector and industry
-
Hosting a series of events and conferences focused on knowledge sharing and building partnerships between training providers and industry
Exeter College was awarded South West CTEC status by the Department for Education in August 2025, in recognition of its high-quality curriculum and strong employer links. Today, the College offers more than 20 construction-related courses, including apprenticeships, T Levels, and full-time programmes, serving over 1,500 learners.
John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO at Exeter College, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to launch our plans for delivering as a CTEC and, most importantly, for supporting other education providers, councils, strategic authorities and businesses in making a career in construction one of the most attractive choices there is.
“My own career began in the construction industry, and I draw on the skills and knowledge that gave me on almost a daily basis. That’s why I’m so pleased Exeter College has been chosen by the Department for Education to be the South West’s CTEC, and I can’t wait for us to work in partnership with education providers and employers to learn from each other, so that we can collectively bring more people into this fantastic industry.”
Sam Hillman, Deputy Vice Principal at Exeter College, said: "The CTEC launch brought together so many brilliant and enthusiastic people committed to tackling the construction sector's skills challenges. It was inspiring to learn and share best practices on how colleges and providers across the region are training skilled learners and apprentices, and how, through further collaboration, we can create even more opportunities and pathways into this rewarding sector.
“At Exeter College, we are excited and proud to be the South West construction TEC. We are privileged to have this opportunity to work with our college, employer and stakeholder partners to ensure our region benefits from high-quality construction training that amazing teaching and learning enable.”
