South West Construction employers will have the chance to share their industry knowledge with the next generation of talent, thanks to a new Construction Skills Exchange programme launched by Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group (ENDC) and Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA).
The Construction Skills Exchange programme, funded through the Further Education Teacher Industry Exchange (FE TIE), will see current construction professionals contribute to teaching through guest lectures, masterclasses and part-time teaching roles. At the same time, FE teachers will work alongside employers to brush up on the latest construction techniques, technologies and working practices.
Funded by the Department for Education through DTCCA, and delivered by ENDC as the South West’s Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), the programme will strengthen links between the industry and further education (FE), and develop the skills needed to support Devon’s future growth.
Approximately 21,000* people work in the construction industry in Devon, and ENDC and DTCCA are encouraging employers interested in sharing their skills with the next generation of workers to register through the South West CTEC website, where they can earn up to £450 per day for delivering sessions.
The exchange is designed to ensure that learners benefit from teaching that reflects the realities of today’s construction industry, helping them develop the skills employers need now and in the future.
The programme aims to create a lasting culture of collaboration between employers and FE providers, ensuring learners benefit from current industry expertise while giving businesses a stronger voice in skills development. The Construction Skills FE TIE is expected to enhance the quality of construction education, strengthen the region’s skills pipeline and support housing, infrastructure and economic growth.
Construction is one of the region’s most important economic sectors, contributing around £1.7 billion to the Devon and Torbay economy each year**. It is recognised as a key growth sector in both the UK Industrial Strategy and the Devon and Torbay Skills and Future Workforce Plan, underlining the importance of developing the talent pipeline needed to meet future demand.
Recognising the importance of the construction industry in the region, in 2025 ENDC was selected to be a Construction Technical Excellence College by the DfE. As part of this work, ENDC is building closer ties with colleges across the South West and the construction industry to address training and skills needs.
Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Partnerships at Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority to bring these opportunities to our young construction learners. Learning from those working in the industry right now can be invaluable, and this programme will help learners strengthen their skills and build the confidence they will need when they arrive on site.
“We know just how willing construction employers across the South West are to support the next generation, and we are incredibly grateful for the time, expertise and encouragement they have given over the years. We now want to build on that strong partnership and create more opportunities for employers to share their knowledge through guest lectures and masterclasses. These will make a lasting difference to young people’s careers while helping develop the skilled workforce our industry and region need.”
Councillor Julian Brazil, Vice-Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“Construction is vital to the economy of Devon, Torbay and Plymouth, and we know that developing the skilled workforce our region requires closer collaboration between education and industry. This programme creates valuable opportunities for construction professionals to share their expertise with learners, while giving teachers experience of the latest industry practices. By strengthening these partnerships, we can help ensure that learners are equipped with the skills needed to support housing delivery, infrastructure projects and economic growth across our region.”
Leo Rattenberry is currently studying a Level 2 Carpentry course at Exeter College. Leo said:
“We have great teachers at Exeter College, but some of them haven’t been in the field for a few years, so getting people who’ve actively worked on site to teach us would be really exciting.
“I hope to learn about what you’ll find on site. So, if you’re going onto a big site, what you’re expected to do most there, and some of the tricks to making that a bit easier, but keeping to a good standard.”
Gary Wells teaches Construction Skills at Exeter College and, before becoming a teacher, spent 20 years in the carpentry industry. Gary said:
“It’s really important to have people from industry to come in because a lot of the time the materials can change, or they’re using new systems, so it’s great having people fresh off site with all this new info, techniques, styles and what they’re using right now. It will give learners good variety, and they’ll be going from college fresh into industry with the confidence that they know what to expect when they turn up on site.
“It’s great when you see that the learners have achieved something, even if it’s just small things. When they’re absolutely chuffed with what they’re doing, that’s the fulfilment you look for in being a teacher.”
Employers can register for the Construction Skills Exchange online: southwestctec.ac.uk/construction-skills-exchange.