New school building plans could open 13,000 construction training places for young people

Thousands of teenagers and young adults could soon have access to new training opportunities in construction, thanks to plans linking school rebuilding projects with apprenticeships and T Levels.

Under proposals tied to upcoming school and college building programmes, construction firms working on education sites will be expected to offer hands-on training placements. For parents thinking about what comes next after GCSEs or A levels, it could mean more local, practical routes into skilled jobs for their children.

The plans include around 13,000 apprenticeship and T Level opportunities across England, with a strong focus on keeping placements close to home. Around 90 percent are expected to be within 30 miles of the school or college being rebuilt.

What new opportunities are being created?

The opportunities are linked to a wider programme to rebuild and refurbish schools and colleges over the next decade. Construction companies bidding for this work will need to show how they are supporting apprentices and T Level students as part of their projects.

Roles are expected to cover trades and technical areas such as bricklaying, plumbing, electrical work and engineering, sectors where employers have long warned of skills shortages.

For families, this could open up an alternative to university that still offers structured training, real-world experience and a wage while learning.

Not every young person wants, or needs, a traditional academic pathway. Apprenticeships and T Levels allow students to combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience, which can suit practical learners or those keen to start earning earlier.

Because most placements are expected to be local, parents may feel reassured that their children can train without needing to relocate far from home, an important consideration given the rising cost of living.

Funding for colleges and training places

Alongside the placements, colleges across England can bid for a share of almost £300 million in capital funding to expand post-16 education. The funding is intended to create more places for 16 to 19 year olds and increase construction training capacity.

This includes additional funding devolved to metro mayors and local leaders, with the aim of reducing waiting lists for courses and improving access to vocational education.

Further education colleges, including a network of ten Construction Technical Excellence Colleges, are expected to play a central role in delivering training and supporting students into work once they qualify.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said the availability of skilled workers is closely tied to school rebuilding plans.

“We can’t rebuild schools that are fit for the future unless we have the skilled workers we need to build them,” she said.

“Our education estates strategy will set out our vision for school and college buildings to deliver growth and opportunity to their local communities.”

We can’t rebuild schools that are fit for the future unless we have the skilled workers we need to build them.

Young people are already benefitting

Some young people are already benefiting from similar schemes. Jay, a degree apprentice from Lee-on-the-Solent, is currently working for Kier Group on a project to rebuild his former school.

“I feel our work here is important. It’s a great school and I felt that the teachers supported me to excel whilst I was there,” he said.
“The new facilities will mean that the students and teachers will have the best school possible, meaning that students like my sister will have an even better place to learn.”

I feel our work here is important. It’s a great school and I felt that the teachers supported me to excel whilst I was there.

John Boughton, managing director at Kier Construction Southern, said projects like this can help young people see a clear route into the industry.

“At Kier, we are committed to leaving lasting legacies for our communities,” he said.

“Our teams engage directly with local schools, colleges and community groups to provide clear routes into the diverse range of careers in construction.”

When will young people be able to join the scheme?

The education estates strategy, which will set out further details on school and college rebuilding, is due to be published shortly.

For parents navigating post-16 choices with their children, the expansion of apprenticeships and T Levels linked to real construction projects could provide another option to consider, especially for those interested in hands-on, skills-based careers with long-term prospects.