Best FE Provider Supporting Careers in Construction — Winner: Leeds College of Building

Leeds College of Building has been named the Best FE Provider Supporting Careers in Construction, celebrating its exceptional commitment to preparing young people and adult learners for meaningful, long-term careers across the built environment. As the UK’s only specialist further education college dedicated exclusively to construction, Leeds College of Building has cemented its reputation as a national leader in construction education and skills.

Why They Won

Judges were unanimous in recognising Leeds College of Building for its sector-leading curriculum, employer-led training model, and outstanding learner outcomes. The college demonstrates an unparalleled understanding of the construction industry’s needs, delivering courses that evolve in line with technological changes, industry standards, and the future workforce landscape.

Their focus on real-world employability—from technical training to soft skills, digital literacy, and site readiness—ensures learners leave with practical, job-ready abilities that employers highly value. Leeds College of Building also stands out for the breadth of opportunities it offers, from Level 1 construction pathways to higher-level technical and professional programmes, including apprenticeships, T Levels, and specialist qualifications.

What Set Them Apart

• Strong employer partnerships with major contractors, consultants, and housebuilders, ensuring training reflects real project demands.
• A specialist, construction-focused curriculum, making them uniquely positioned to meet industry needs across trades, technical roles, and professional pathways.
• Investment in cutting-edge facilities, including digital construction labs, workshops, and simulated site environments that mirror modern construction settings.
• Outstanding apprenticeship delivery, supporting thousands of apprentices across construction management, surveying, civil engineering, building services, and more.
• A proactive approach to inclusivity, widening access to construction careers for underrepresented groups, women, career changers, and learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Consistently high achievement and progression rates, proving the college’s ability to develop capable, confident, career-ready construction professionals.

The Impact

Leeds College of Building is shaping the future of the UK construction workforce. From bricklayers and site operatives to surveyors, engineers, and project managers, the college has become a cornerstone for talent development across the built environment. Their unique, industry-led approach ensures graduates progress into sustainable careers, helping address national skills shortages while supporting major infrastructure and housing programmes.

Their long-standing contribution to workforce development, combined with their continued investment in innovation and educational excellence, makes Leeds College of Building a truly deserving winner of the Best FE Provider Supporting Careers in Construction award.