Exeter College named Construction Excellence Centre

Exeter College has been named one of just 10 Construction Technical Excellence Colleges by the Department for Education, recognising the quality and impact of its construction training.

The status positions the college as a national leader and opens opportunities to collaborate, share best practice and attract further investment into the South West.

Principal and CEO John Laramy CBE said: “We are delighted to be selected. This will help turbo charge construction training across our region and ensure our communities benefit from the career opportunities excellent technical education enables.”

The award follows strong growth in construction at Exeter College, with full-time learner numbers up 32% last year and over 650 trade and professional construction apprentices enrolled for 2024/25.

MP for Exeter Steve Race said the recognition will bring “brand new skills training for young people and help those already in the sector to upskill”.

Pete Sadler, Managing Director of Vistry South West, added it would “ensure we have a pipeline of talented, work-ready individuals to support the future of construction and housebuilding.”

Councillor David Thomas, Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, welcomed the news, saying it would strengthen local skills and help the region contribute to the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes.