Plans set out to boost construction sector apprenticeships and T Levels

13,000 apprenticeships and T Level placement opportunities in the construction sector are to be created through government investment into upgrading school buildings across England.

As part of the upcoming education estates strategy, construction firms working on school building projects will have to show that they are providing apprenticeships and opportunities for T Level students, ensuring more young people are given the chance to gain the skills as bricklayers, plumbers and engineers. 90% of these opportunities will be offered within a 30 mile radius of the school being built, providing a boost to local communities across the country.

The almost £20 billion School Rebuilding Programme will, through to 2034-35, rebuild over 500 schools and sixth-form colleges across England with 250 additional schools and sixth-form colleges to be selected.

The announcement comes during National Apprenticeship Week, when government, employers and apprenticeship providers come together to showcase the positive impact apprenticeships have on economic growth, communities, local businesses and individuals.

Colleges can also now bid for a share of almost £300 million in capital funding to create more places in colleges across the country, in addition to £283 million devolved to metro mayors and local leaders. The funding will create more places for 16-19 year olds and also expand construction training provision, helping to reduce waiting lists, address skills shortages, and support wider economic growth.

Other skills based announcements made alongside National Apprenticeship Week include lowering the minimum age for train drivers to start training, from 20 down to 18, giving school leavers the opportunity to apply to start careers on the railway.

New pilots will also match ‘near miss’ applicants with similar apprenticeship opportunities in their area and are set to be rolled out later this year.