THE Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has unveiled plans to invest significantly in the National Construction College (NCC) at Erith and other NCC sites.
The move has been tipped to create ‘substantial value’ for the construction industry through an expanded training offer. The investment includes new programmes and pathways developed in line with industry needs.
The redevelopment work at Erith is already underway with a capital investment approved by the board of trustees. Erith investment for this year is £11 million, and CITB said it will be investing £30 million in total over the next three years at the site.
The programme has been planned to ensure training can continue as usual throughout the development. Contractors appointed through Crown Commercial Services (CCS) demolished the decommissioned buildings in April. The project includes new training buildings and the installation of new technology to support the college’s growth and sustainability goals.
Including the Erith site, CITB is investing over £15 million in the NCC estate for 2025-26. This includes expanding training provision across all three sites, increasing the range and volume of apprenticeship and commercial training opportunities available.
Kirsty Evans, executive principal for NCC, said, “NCC is firmly focused on achieving great outcomes for our learners and employers. We’re already seeing the impact of this in high learner retention and achievement rates, reflecting the culture of quality that has been embedded in our practices. Our vision for NCC is to support the construction industry by expanding our training offer, delivering high-quality teaching and learner support, and collaborating with the wider industry to maximise our impact.”
