Under the scheme around 65,000 learners across the country will have access to training for high-demand jobs in Britain’s fastest-growing industries, as the Government rolls out the next wave of Technical Excellence Colleges.
Birmingham Metropolitan College will be allocated funds under the Digital and Technologies part of the programme while City of Wolverhampton College and Newcastle and Stafford College Group have also been chosen as part of the Advanced Manufacturing quota.
Pat Carvalho, CEO and principal of BMet, said: “As CEO and Principal of BMet, I am immensely proud of our college’s leadership in digital and technology education.
“Our commitment to innovation, employer partnership, and student success is unwavering.
“Through the DTEC, we will further strengthen our region’s digital talent pipeline, ensuring every learner gains the advanced skills, experiences, and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
“Crucially, our vision is built on collaboration with Further Education Colleges and Independent Training Providers across the West Midlands harnessing the collective expertise and strength of our region’s FE sector.
“Together, we are dedicated to driving excellence, widening participation, and supporting the growth and prosperity of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.”
Backed by £175 million of Government funding, a total of 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges across the country will deliver high-quality training in sectors driving Britain’s growth - advanced manufacturing, clean energy and defence, as well as digital and technologies.
The new Technical Excellence Colleges will equip young people with the high-level technical skills needed to access well-paid, high-skilled jobs, giving them a clear route from education into work.
It’s estimated that almost 600,000 additional workers will be needed by 2030 in these key sectors, underlining the scale of demand for skills and further training in critical industries.
The £175 million investment will support the highest-quality teaching, improved courses and access to specialist equipment in the colleges selected for Technical Excellence College status.
From Durham to Plymouth, the newly awarded colleges are strategically located to align with local industry demand, helping drive regional growth and train a skilled workforce where it is needed most.
The Government says the TECs will break down barriers to opportunity and deliver the gold standard pathways young people deserve, helping to reach the Prime Minister’s target for two thirds of young people to be in higher level learning by age 25.
This investment is part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring high-quality technical routes which are valued just as highly as university, supporting homegrown talent across the country to develop the skills employers need.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I want every young person to know there is a clear route into well‑paid work, whatever their background. These colleges put technical skills front and centre, opening up high‑quality jobs in the industries driving Britain’s future.
“We are backing talent across the country, strengthening our workforce and making sure opportunity is built into the system – not left to chance.”
This builds on the first wave of Technical Excellence Colleges announced in August 2025, where investment of £100 million is already beginning to support improvements in facilities, teaching and employer partnerships.
Bedford Technical Excellence College was selected last year to specialise in construction and is already carrying out training for other providers across the country, helping them to upskilling teaching staff.
The £175 million investment will support high-quality teaching, better courses and state-of-the-art specialist equipment in colleges selected for Technical Excellence College status.
The Government backing brings together £97 million from the Department for Education, £50 million from the Ministry of Defence and £28 million from the Department for Business and Trade to deliver the skilled workforce needed in Britain’s fastest-growing industries.
