Building the Future: College Expands Opportunities in Construction Education

Abingdon and Witney College has taken a significant step forward in addressing the construction skills shortage with the expansion of its Bicester Construction Skills Centre. This facility, inaugurated in 2021, will now accommodate an additional 100 students, bringing the total enrollment to 300. Principal Jacqui Canton expressed her enthusiasm about the expansion, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local employers to fuel the construction industry.

The UK is facing a severe skills shortage, particularly in Oxfordshire, where there is a booming demand for new housing. The Labour government’s ambitious plan aims for the construction of 1.5 million new homes by 2029, translating to over 5,000 new homes annually in Oxfordshire alone. With the construction sector currently grappling with a shortfall of 250,000 workers, the call for more trained professionals is urgent.

Ryan Harris, the regional director for a construction firm, noted the unprecedented governmental support for housing and infrastructure, but warned that this support must be matched by an increase in skilled workers to meet the growing demand.

Mark French, who leads the Construction Skills Centre, pointed out the importance of making the teaching profession more appealing to younger individuals. He highlighted the outdated notion that teaching in construction should only be pursued after a long career in the field, stating, “Your knees don’t have to be blown to teach.” This perspective aims to attract fresh talent to teaching, thus ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled workers for future generations.

The college’s expansion is not only a response to a pressing labor need but also an investment in education and the future of the construction industry.