A major government-backed construction training programme is being rolled out across south-west England in a move designed to tackle growing skills shortages and encourage more young people into practical trades.
More than £5 million has been allocated to schools, colleges and employers across the region to support new construction-based qualifications and apprenticeships. The funding forms part of a wider £625 million national construction skills package aimed at training 60,000 workers by 2029.
The announcement comes at a time when the UK construction sector continues to face significant labour shortages, with employers struggling to recruit skilled bricklayers, plumbers, electricians and site workers amid rising demand for housing and infrastructure projects.
Colleges across the South West including Cornwall College Group, Yeovil College and Callywith College will lead the regional rollout of the scheme from September.
Under the reforms, two new qualifications will become available for 16-year-olds who may require additional support in English and Maths GCSEs before progressing into employment, apprenticeships or further education.
The first, an Occupational Certificate, will provide a two-year route into construction careers for students looking to move directly into work or apprenticeships. The second, a Foundation Certificate, is designed as a one-year programme helping learners progress into further education while improving core GCSE skills.
Education leaders across the region have welcomed the move, arguing that practical skills training remains critical to the future of the UK economy.
John Laramy, principal of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, described the reforms as “an important step” towards supporting young people into employment while helping address longstanding shortages within the construction industry.
Meanwhile, Mark Wardle, executive principal of Cornwall College Group, said the new qualifications would create clearer pathways for young people and help them develop skills needed for long-term economic growth.
The construction sector has repeatedly warned of an ageing workforce, declining apprenticeship uptake and difficulties attracting younger workers into manual trades. Industry leaders have also raised concerns that without significant investment in skills training, major housing and infrastructure targets may become increasingly difficult to achieve.
For many UK workers and school leavers, the announcement could provide a practical alternative to traditional academic routes, particularly for those who thrive in hands-on learning environments.
The government says the wider reforms are part of a transition away from older qualifications towards a new framework involving V-levels, T-levels and A-levels, alongside the newly introduced certificates.
Mark Bolton, principal of Yeovil College, said the institution was “proud to help shape the future of national qualifications”, adding that courses must remain relevant to real-world employment needs.
The Workers Union believes investment in vocational training and practical workplace skills remains essential for supporting future generations of UK workers. As industries continue facing labour shortages and economic pressures, providing accessible pathways into skilled employment could prove increasingly important for regional economies and young people seeking stable careers.
