College's delight at Government accolade

An education provider has secured Government endorsement.

Sunderland College has been named a Construction Technical Excellence College by the Department for Education.

Bosses say the provider was selected as the North East’s first Construction Technical Excellence College for its “strong regional reach and employer-led curriculum design”.

Construction Technical Excellence Colleges will serve as regional hubs specialising in construction training, working with providers to lift industry standards and address skills shortages.

Sunderland College’s industry offer includes the soon-to-open Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), which will train learners on modern construction techniques, low-carbon technologies and sustainable building practices.

Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive of the Education Partnership North East body that includes Sunderland College, said: “Being named a Construction Technical Excellence College is a tremendous achievement.

“This news comes after long-term visioning, changemaking investment and the creation of an innovative new approach to skills delivery modelled on a dedicated construction college – the first of its kind in the region.” 

HICSA is led by Sunderland College alongside Sunderland City Council, with further backing from Homes England; the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; Northumbria University; Gentoo; Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust; and VELUX.

Councillor Michael Butler, Sunderland City Council cabinet member for skills, added: “I am beyond proud to see Sunderland College secure Construction Technical Excellence College status.

“This will ensure our city is established as a regional hub for skills, which will power up housing construction locally, regionally and nationally.”

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