CTEC
Apprentice carpenter working on timber construction project

The South West Construction Technical Excellence College

Pioneering a new era of construction skills training across the South West

Steel framework under construction on building site

Meeting the construction skills challenge

The construction industry needs more skilled people than ever before. To help meet that challenge, Exeter College has been selected as the Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) for the South West. 

Backed by £2 million of government funding over four years, we're working with colleges, training providers, employers and local authorities across the region to strengthen construction training, share best practice and help more people develop the skills needed for rewarding careers in the sector. Together, we're building a workforce that can support the Government target of building 1.5 million homes plus the infrastructure and communities our region needs for the future. 


Collaborating to build a stronger construction workforce

Meeting the construction skills challenge can't be achieved by one organisation alone. That's why the South West CTEC programme brings together employers, colleges and training providers from across the region. By working together, we're improving training, sharing knowledge and helping more people gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in the construction industry. 

Apprentice working with instructor using tools during training

For colleges and training providers

The South West CTEC programme brings colleges and training providers together to share expertise, learn from one another and strengthen construction skills training across the South West. Through networking events, workshops and our online knowledge hub, providers can connect with peers, access resources and contribute to the future of construction education. 

To be part of this collaborative approach please contact us, via the link below.

Friendly handshake between two professionals

For employers

South West CTEC works closely with employers to help ensure construction training reflects the skills needed in today's workforce. By getting involved, you can help shape future training, share industry insights and build strong relationships with colleges and training providers across the region, helping you attract and develop skilled local talent.

To discuss how South West CTEC can support your workforce needs, please contact us via the link below.

Our vision and focus

Exeter College is working with colleges, training providers and employers across the South West to strengthen construction skills and support the future workforce. By bringing partners together to share knowledge, identify skills needs and develop effective training solutions, we can help more people succeed in construction careers while supporting employers to build the skilled workforce they need. 

Our delivery plan focuses on three key areas that will help strengthen construction skills across the South West and create lasting benefits for learners, providers and employers. 
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Knowledge exchange

Bringing together employers, colleges and training providers to share expertise, learn from one another and strengthen construction skills across the region.

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Sharing and collaboration

Providing a dedicated online hub for sharing knowledge, resources and best practice across the South West construction sector.

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Developing skills and talent

Helping learners, educators and employers build the skills needed to meet the future needs of the construction industry, including encouraging experienced industry professionals to bring their expertise into education and training.

Latest news and events

Explore the latest news, insights and resources from South West CTEC. Our updates highlight regional initiatives, training developments and best-practice case studies to keep colleges, training providers and employers informed and engaged.

Construction learner on site

Register your interest in teaching

Got construction industry experience and thinking about teaching? We’ll connect you with Further Education opportunities across our network of South West colleges and help you explore a rewarding career in education.

11 August 2026
Safe and professional learning space for construction training

Be part of the change

Whether you're an employer, college or training provider, your involvement can help shape the future of construction skills in the South West. Join us as we work together to strengthen training and create new opportunities across the region. 

Construction student welding steel with sparks flying

Working with regional stakeholders across the South West

South West CTEC works closely with organisations that help shape skills, employment and economic growth across the region. This includes local authorities, Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), employer representative bodies (ERBs), membership organisations and training provider networks. 

By bringing these partners together, we can better understand regional skills needs, share knowledge and help ensure construction training responds to local priorities and workforce demands.