The government has announced a major boost to UK skills with 120,000 new training opportunities—great news for young people looking to start careers in construction and other high-demand sectors.
This move is part of a national drive to get Britain building and working, with a £3 billion apprenticeship budget backing the effort.
What This Means for Construction:
- More bricklayers and site trades trained to meet housing and infrastructure needs
- 30,000 new apprenticeship starts across this Parliament
- 13 new Level 2 construction courses added for adults
- 10 new Technical Excellence Colleges for construction opening in September 2025
- £100 million over 4 years to grow Construction Skills Bootcamps
- £14 million in adult skills funding devolved to mayors for local training
- £136 million for Bootcamps in priority sectors to train over 40,000 people
Why This Matters:
The number of young people not in work, education or training (NEETs) has reached concerning levels, and the number of apprenticeship starts has dropped sharply in the past decade. This investment aims to reverse that trend by focusing on practical, hands-on training in real jobs the economy needs.
Key Reforms:
- Immigration Skills Charge up 32% to support an extra 45,000 training places for UK workers
- Less funding for master’s level apprenticeships, and more focus on trades and early-career learners
- Support for ages 16–21 remains protected
Government’s Message:
“We’re backing the next generation with more ways to earn a wage and learn a trade. It’s now up to young people to take those opportunities.”
– Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary
Skills England – New National Body
A new board, Skills England, will bring together employers and local leaders to make sure training matches up with what’s needed on the ground.
