Construction is huge. From housing to hospitals and highways to offices, the construction industry employs around 2.3 million people with a variety of skills, including operatives, skilled craftsmen like plumbers and carpenters, site managers and professionals such as surveyors and architects.

The sector moves at a rapid pace, with fresh technologies requiring fresh skills. Pre-fabrication is one innovation, with many buildings produced in factories then assembled on site. Construction isn’t all about new buildings though: repair, maintenance and refurbishment of existing buildings offer the lion’s share of opportunities in our area – and those who can demonstrate a variety of skills will be best placed to make the most of them.

Construction learners at Sussex Coast College Hastings enjoy the best facilities in the region, with the new Ore Valley campus custom-designed to offer a working environment that mirrors a real construction site. Our staff have all worked in the industry – some still do – so we can provide first-hand knowledge of technical innovations, such as methods to cut down on production, energy and running costs, and ensure our learners stay ahead of the game.