Government unveils technical education reforms to tackle construction skills shortages

The Government has announced plans to introduce new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds, giving regional leaders greater control over training to help address skills shortages in sectors including construction.

Under the proposals, pupils from Year 10 will be able to combine core academic subjects with vocational learning linked to employment opportunities in their local area.

Construction has been identified as one of the priority sectors, alongside engineering, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital technology.

Regional mayors, schools, colleges and employers will work together to design courses based on local labour market demand, replacing a more centralised approach to technical education.

The new pathways will include work experience, employer-led projects and site visits, giving young people practical exposure to careers before making post-16 education and training decisions.

The reforms will also see Ofsted place greater emphasis on the quality of technical education and how effectively schools prepare pupils for employment.

The Government intends to begin rolling out the new technical education pathways from September 2028, using existing Department for Education funding.