Government plans to train next generation of construction workers

The government will create 13,000 apprenticeship and T Level placement opportunities linked to school rebuilding projects, and construction firms on those projects will be required to provide local training places for apprentices and T Level students.

The government will create 13,000 apprenticeship and T Level placement opportunities tied to school building projects. Construction firms working on those projects will be required to demonstrate they are providing places for apprentices and T Level students. The announcement is part of an upcoming education estates strategy and was made during National Apprenticeship Week. Officials say most opportunities will be offered close to the schools being rebuilt. Key details: - 13,000 apprenticeship and T Level placement opportunities will be created linked to school rebuilding projects. - Construction firms must show they provide opportunities for apprentices and T Level students, with 90% of places reportedly offered within a 30-mile radius of the school. - Colleges can bid for nearly £300 million in capital funding, with £283 million devolved to metro mayors and local leaders to expand places for 16–19 year olds and construction training. - The School Rebuilding Programme is backed by almost £20 billion through 2034–35 and will rebuild over 500 schools and sixth-form colleges, with additional selections to follow. - The government plans to lengthen industry contracts to eight years, speed up apprenticeship approvals (from 18 months to as little as three months), and pilot systems to match near-miss applicants with local opportunities; an online platform for apprenticeship information is also planned. Summary: The measures are intended to broaden local training routes and support workforce planning as school rebuilding work proceeds. Further support is expected from colleges and a new network of Construction Technical Excellence Colleges, and the education estates strategy will be published in full shortly. New pilots and an online platform are due to be rolled out later in the year.