£3.3 million investment to transform construction training at Accrington and Rossendale College

Hundreds more people across East Lancashire will be able to train for careers in construction after East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG) secured £2.6m of government funding, alongside its own investment, to deliver a £3.3m expansion of its 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 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."

Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith said: "I am delighted to see £2.6m 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."