A £3.34m investment in Cornwall's construction sector aims to expand job opportunities and meet rising demand.
The funding is part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, a scheme to provide skills training and create employment opportunities.
The initiative, involving Cornwall Council, Cornwall College Group, and Truro and Penwith College, brings new facilities at campuses in St Austell, Camborne, and Truro.
Funding for the project is from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, designed to aid communities UK-wide.
Tackling issues such as workforce ageing and an increasing demand for green construction skills amid a drive towards net zero, the investment will cater to all ages.
The construction industry contributes £900m annually to Cornwall’s economy and employs approximately 15,000 across 3,800 businesses, accounting for 6.1 per cent of employment and 15 per cent of enterprises in the region.
In light of an estimated £2.2 billion development pipeline over the next ten years, the programme seeks to equip locals to maximise these opportunities.
Projections show more than 600 new industry entrants annually are needed to meet the forecast demand and offset retirements.
Cllr Louis Gardner, portfolio holder for economy at Cornwall Council, said: "This Good Growth investment will increase opportunities for people across Cornwall in an important part of our economy, raising skills and boosting wages.
"By investing in new facilities our colleges can expand what they offer and equip local people with the skills that the growing industry needs."
Jon Ninnes, Project Manager from the Cornwall College Group, added: "This is an incredibly exciting time to be in, or to contemplate joining, the construction industry.
"With the emergence of rapidly developing green technologies and processes, there are massive opportunities."
Charli Styles, programme team leader of Future Skills at Truro and Penwith College, said: "The College is thrilled to support delivery of this investment.
"The funds will allow us to provide our learners access to future careers that improve life chances and support the future of a key sector in the Cornish economy."
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