Kris Hopkins MP saw students building up their skills for the future during a visit to Keighley Campus Leeds City College.

The Housing Minister called into the campus’ construction department, which houses carpentry, plumbing, brickwork, joinery and electrical training.

He was accompanied by Leeds City College’s vice-principal for curriculum, Debbie Fletcher, curriculum area manager for brickwork and construction Adam Peniket and curriculum area manager for electrical Martin Hakes.

Mr Hopkins expressed particular interest in the college’s provision in light of an increase in the demand for construction skills.

The campus has reported a rise in the number of students on construction courses and is looking at a possible expansion, which could include the introduction of painting and decorating, plus plastering courses.

Mr Hopkins said: “As Housing Minister, I’m acutely aware of the increasing demand for workers equipped with the skills to keep the country building.

“I was thrilled to see the work going on in the town to produce such high-calibre and highly valued individuals for the construction jobs market.”

Ms Fletcher said: “We were delighted to welcome Kris Hopkins. There are strong signs in the area the construction industry is recovering and Kris was pleased to talk to staff at length about a potential growth in our provision.”