DERBY COLLEGE IS RECOGNISED FOR ITS EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING CONSTRUCTION

PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his delight that Derby College has been chosen for national recognition as a regional Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) the only one in the East Midlands and one of only 10 across England.

- By ZENA HAWLEY

The new designation has been created by the Government in its drive to increase the number of bricklayers, carpenters, roofers and electricians to be trained up in high-demand construction skills by 2029, reducing reliance on overseas workers.

Speaking to the Derby Telegraph after the announcement, Sir Keir described Derby as "the engine room for this kind of skill".

He said: "I am very pleased but not surprised that Derby College Group came through selection to be one of the designated further education colleges.

"We have chosen colleges who are best placed and with the best reputations.

"This is good news for the college and for Derby; this is a really good vindication of how good Derby College is, that it has been chosen.

"We want to have the skills in this country and it stops us going outside the country each time for people.

"I am pleased we are able to do this in Derby and it sits alongside our commitment to rail infrastructure body Great British Railways also to be based here in Derby."

Sir Keir was asked about how he planned to make construction jobs attractive as future careers to young people in schools.