Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson MP Officially Opens HICSA

The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, officially opened Sunderland College’s Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) – a pioneering regional gateway for skills training.

During the celebration, the Education Secretary unveiled a commemorative plaque, joined by Ellen Thinnesen OBE, Chief Executive of Education Partnership North East (EPNE), and Patrick Melia OBE, Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council.

Ellen Thinnesen opened the event by reflecting on HICSA’s journey from concept to reality, and its transformative impact on education, industry, and the economy, with Patrick Melia speaking about the academy’s role in Sunderland’s ambitious regeneration and the opportunities it will create for local communities and employers.

In her keynote speech, Bridget Phillipson MP praised the strength of the unique partnerships behind HICSA, its importance as the North East’s Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), and contribution to the Government’s mission to drive regional growth, strengthen technical education, and boost construction skills.

The Education Secretary said: “I’m delighted to open this new academy which will help to equip the next generation of construction workers with the skills they need to succeed and grow the economy.

“It will home one of our new technical excellence colleges which are vital to delivering our Plan for Change and ensuring we have the skilled workforce needed to build 1.5 million homes and drive the infrastructure projects that will rebuild Britain.

“HICSA exemplifies how government, education providers and employers can work together to break down barriers to opportunity and give young people the best start in life.”

Guests toured the academy’s cutting-edge facilities, meeting students developing their skills in carpentry, joinery, and plumbing, as well as exploring the Eco House, a live learning environment which showcases sustainable building techniques and energy-efficient technologies.

Industry partners including global roof window manufacturer Velux and low-carbon heating technology company Ambion, delivered live demonstrations within HICSA’s main workshop area, while Northumbria University highlighted how the academy will unlock progression pathways into higher education and beyond through a unique strategic collaboration.

The celebration concluded with a networking session connecting representatives from education, industry, and government to explore future collaborations.

Ellen Thinnesen OBE, Chief Executive of Education Partnership North East, which includes Sunderland College, said: “Today marks a major milestone for Sunderland College, our partners, and the region. HICSA is a testament to years of vision, collaboration, and determination to transform skills, education, and innovation in construction and the built environment.

“I’m deeply grateful to the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, for officially opening HICSA, and to all our partners whose commitment made this bold ambition a reality.

“HICSA symbolises what’s possible when education, industry, and government come together to drive regeneration, sustainability, and opportunity for our communities.”

Patrick Melia OBE, Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “HICSA is a world-class facility that stands proudly as testament to the power of vision and partnership-working.

“Thousands of young people will reap the benefits of this fantastic new facility and, ultimately, that’s what the whole Riverside Sunderland regeneration programme is about… ensuring Sunderland is a place where our young people can proudly live, work, learn and play.”

HICSA, located within the Sheepfolds area of Riverside Sunderland – one of the UK’s most ambitious city centre regeneration projects – was first envisioned in 2019 through a unique collaboration between Sunderland College and Sunderland City Council, with support from Homes England and funding from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

In 2025, the Department for Education (DfE), named Sunderland College as one of 10 national CTECs. Based at HICSA, the Northeast CTEC serves as the region’s hub for innovation and excellence in construction skills, bringing together colleges, universities, training providers, schools, employers, and key stakeholders.

Grant Glendinning, Chief Executive Officer and Group Principal of the Education Training Collective said: “As a connected representative spoke for the North East CTEC in the Tees Valley, the Education Training Collective is proud to be working with HICSA to play a key role in advancing innovation, collaboration, and excellence in construction skills across the region.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to transforming the regional skills landscape, empowering learners with the expertise to thrive in a modern, sustainable construction sector, and supporting employers to build the workforce of the future.”

The network, operating as a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model, will play a crucial role in delivering the Government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes across England during this Parliament, while supporting regional growth and promoting sustainable, modern construction methods.