Thurrock College celebrates Construction Skills Capacity Fund award

Thurrock College, part of South Essex Colleges Group, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £1,278,502 through the Department for Education’s Construction Skills Capacity Fund.

The funding represents an exciting investment in skills training at Thurrock College and will support the college in expanding its capacity to provide high-quality, industry-relevant learning opportunities for students and apprentices preparing for careers in the construction industry.

The grant will support Carpentry, Plumbing and Multi-Skills Trades, enabling the college to purchase a range of essential materials and resources to support these courses. This investment will give learners increased opportunities to develop practical skills and gain valuable hands-on experience in specialist learning environments.

The investment is expected to increase capacity by 100 16–19 learners and 30 apprentices, helping Thurrock College respond to growing demand for skilled workers and creating more opportunities for local people to enter construction careers.

The funded improvements are expected to be completed by the start of the 2027/28 academic year, ensuring the increased capacity and enhanced provision are in place to support learners and apprentices from the beginning of the new academic year.

The investment will ensure students have access to the materials and resources they need to practise their skills, build confidence and prepare for the demands of the workplace.

The Department for Education’s Construction Skills Capacity Fund is designed to increase capacity and strengthen skills provision, supporting colleges to respond to the growing demand for skilled workers. South Essex Colleges Group is among the successful providers receiving funding through the programme.

Reilly Allum, Principal of Thurrock College, said: “This funding will enable Thurrock College to expand its capacity to deliver high-quality construction training and respond to increasing demand from both learners and employers. The investment will help create more opportunities for people to develop the practical skills needed in trades such as plumbing, carpentry and multi-skills, supporting progression into well-paid careers and apprenticeships. As major construction and infrastructure projects continue to drive demand for skilled workers, colleges have a vital role to play in developing local talent and supporting economic growth.”

Jen Craft MP, Member of Parliament for Thurrock, said: “It’s so important that local young people can access the training they need to secure well-paid jobs close to home. With a number of significant infrastructure projects in our region, and construction jobs in high demand, we need to develop the next generation of skilled workers right here in Thurrock. That’s why I’m delighted Thurrock College is receiving this funding, which I know will help open doors for a lot of people in our area.”

The funding builds on South Essex Colleges Group’s commitment to providing students with outstanding facilities, specialist equipment and industry-focused education. Thurrock College already offers specialist workshop and studio spaces supporting construction, engineering, creative and other vocational courses.

With demand for skilled workers continuing to grow, the investment will help ensure Thurrock College remains at the forefront of delivering practical, career-focused education. By increasing capacity for both 16–19 learners and apprentices, the college will help more people gain the skills, experience and confidence they need to build successful futures.

For more information about construction courses available at South Essex Colleges Group, visit www.southessex.ac.uk/engineering-construction.

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