Funding boost set to strengthen construction training pipeline

The principal of East Lancashire Learning Group has praised government plans for funding to boost construction courses.

Tens of thousands of placements are being created for aspiring construction workers as part of the government’s £96m boost to train talent and build homes.

Funding is being allocated across the country on Friday to provide hands-on learning and boost employability for learners who start their construction courses from this September. 

It is part of the £625m Construction Skills Package aiming to train up 60,000 skilled workers by 2029.   

The government has published a plan to support schools and colleges to transition from legacy qualifications at the same level, including BTECs, to a clearer system of V Levels, T Levels and A Levels from 2027 as options after GCSEs.

New subjects have been announced for the second year of delivery in 2028 that will help to address skills shortages and boost key industries such as housebuilding. 

These subjects include construction design, bricklaying and plumbing. The plan also includes detailed rollout timelines, and advice on content development to help providers transition.

A new sector-led group, ‘Qualification Practitioners’, has been created to lead the way for the sector, shaping and sharing best practice as providers move to the new qualifications.

East Lancashire Learning Group has been named in a new sector-led group called ‘Qualification Practitioners’ and will play a key role in helping providers to develop strategic transition plans.

The group will also model effective practice, and advise on the support needed to help providers navigate the move to V Levels.

It comes as the government hits a major milestone in helping to bring vocational education on par with academic routes.

Lisa O’Loughlin, principal and chief executive of East Lancashire Learning Group, says that ‘opportunities like this do not come around often.’

She adds: “These Post 16 qualification reforms are one of the greatest steps forward our sector has seen in decades, and I am incredibly proud that we are helping to lead the way as a Pioneer college.

“Being a Pioneer means more than simply delivering change first. It means shaping the future of education, influencing what works best for learners, and ensuring young people and adults have access to qualifications that genuinely prepare them for modern careers, higher education and life beyond the classroom.

“I believe these reforms will be transformational. They will create clearer pathways, stronger links with employers and a far more responsive education system that reflects the needs of our economy and communities.

“They will give learners the confidence, skills and opportunities they deserve to succeed.

“My message to other colleges is simple embrace this change. Be ambitious for your learners, work collaboratively across the sector and help shape a Post 16 system that is fit for the future.”

These plans are central to the Prime Minister’s ambition to ensure two thirds of young people are in a gold standard apprenticeship, higher training or university by the age of 25, boosting priority sectors including housebuilding, and driving economic growth as part of national renewal.  

 Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “We’re removing the snobbery from hands-on learning and putting it on par with academic to break down barriers for young people to get rewarding jobs. 

 “Our landmark vocational qualifications and placements will create a strong pipeline of workers by equipping young people with the real-world skills that employers need and that will fuel the jobs of the future.”