Leeds College of Building is the latest organisation to become a member of the Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme.
As the UK’s only specialist further education construction college, the appointment is recognition of the contribution the education institution has made to the scheme.
The Leeds-based college joins a network of more than 300 partners – made up of leading businesses, civic bodies and charities – across the north of England aiming to boost economic growth with better transport links and increase investment.
Leeds College of Building currently has over 6,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of more than 200 courses related to construction and the built environment, including apprenticeships, further and higher education, and business training.
In 2018 the College was awarded BTEC Apprenticeship Provider of the Year and, more recently, expanded its estates portfolio to officially open phase two of its South Bank Campus, a £13-million development.
Derek Whitehead, CEO & Principal at Leeds College of Building, said: “We are delighted to announce that Leeds College of Building has become a member of the government’s Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme. We wholeheartedly support the development and economic growth of the North through specialist construction training and business partnerships across the region and the UK. This partnership allows us to widen our reach even further and get more people into careers across vital skill-shortage areas.”
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, the Rt Hon Jake Berry, MP said: “Ensuring we have state-of the-art infrastructure across the Northern Powerhouse is a vital component of our vision for boosting economic growth and driving prosperity so that the North takes full advantage of all the economic opportunities that come with our departure from the EU on October 31.
“That is why I’m thrilled to welcome the award-winning Leeds College of Building as our latest Northern Powerhouse Partner and excited to see how their contribution will build upon our significant £694 million Local Growth Fund investment in the Leeds City Region”
The Northern Powerhouse is designed to drive economic growth in the north via investments in skills, innovation, transport and culture.
