Thousands more young people will be able to access life‑changing technical training as the government delivers over £283 million to boost capacity in colleges and meet surging demand for homegrown skilled workers.

The investment will support future builders, coders, engineers, technicians and digital specialists, ensuring the UK has the talent it needs to power growth and meet major national infrastructure ambitions.

Around £100 million of the funding is being allocated directly to mayors and local leaders to increase capacity on construction courses, helping colleges tackle long waiting lists. The boost is designed to support the government’s aim to train 60,000 additional construction workers needed to build 1.5 million homes by the end of the Parliament.

Mayors and local authorities will have the flexibility to use the remaining funds to prepare for an anticipated 67,000 extra 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds entering post‑16 education by 2028.