London South Bank Technical College welcomed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden to its Nine Elms Campus on Tuesday 12 May 2026, as part of a national focus on apprenticeships, technical education and new routes into skilled employment.

During the visit, Sir Keir and Pat McFadden met construction apprentices and saw first-hand how technical training can help young people gain the practical skills, confidence and experience they need to build successful careers.

The visit came as the Government set out plans to place apprenticeships “on an equal footing with university degrees”, with a wider package of support designed to help more young people access high-quality training and employment opportunities.

For London South Bank Technical College, which specialises in technical and professional education, the visit highlighted the importance of giving students strong pathways into the industries that need skilled workers now and in the future.

Based at Nine Elms, London South Bank Technical College provides specialist learning environments designed to prepare students for progression into employment, apprenticeships, higher education and further training. Its courses support young people and adult learners to develop practical skills in areas linked to London’s economy, including construction, engineering, digital, science, health and creative industries.

The Prime Minister’s visit focused on the role of apprenticeships in opening up new opportunities for young people. Apprenticeships allow learners to earn while they learn, combining workplace experience with structured training. For many students, they offer a powerful alternative to a traditional classroom-only route, helping them gain recognised qualifications while developing the skills employers are looking for.

The Government has announced that a £1 billion investment will support 50,000 more young people into apprenticeships and high-quality training over the next three years. The reforms also include plans to remove financial barriers for smaller businesses taking on eligible apprentices under the age of 25, as well as further support for young people seeking work and training.

Pat McFadden said the Government wanted to open up “clear, supported routes into work for young people in every part of the country”.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson also said that young people should have access to opportunities “wherever they live and whatever path they choose”.

The visit placed LSBTC’s construction apprentices at the centre of an important national conversation about skills, employment and opportunity. It also demonstrated the vital role that colleges play in connecting young people with employers, industry-standard training and future careers.

Technical education is central to meeting the needs of both learners and employers. Colleges such as London South Bank Technical College help bridge the gap between education and the workplace, giving students the chance to learn in professional environments and develop the knowledge, behaviours and practical skills required in industry.

For students interested in construction and the built environment, this kind of hands-on learning can be especially valuable. It helps them understand not only the technical side of their chosen trade, but also teamwork, communication, problem-solving and professional standards.

The visit also underlined the importance of investing in skills at a time when London and the wider UK economy need trained workers across construction, infrastructure, clean energy, digital technology and other key sectors.

As part of South Bank Colleges and the wider LSBU Group, London South Bank Technical College supports progression across a broad education and employment landscape. Students can benefit from strong links between further education, higher education and industry, helping them take the next step towards their ambitions.

The Prime Minister and Secretary of State’s visit was a proud moment for the college’s apprentices and staff, showcasing the talent, commitment and potential of students training for their future careers.

It also sent a clear message: technical education and apprenticeships are not second-best choices. They are high-value routes into skilled work, further study and long-term success.