Tech Ed Must Lead To Trades Training
If the Prime Minister's is to get technical education on an equal footing with academic routes, he needs to support apprenticeships and help firms train the next generation of tradespeople.
This is the view of the Federation of Master Builders, who says Andy Burnham’s plans could help address the construction sector's long-running skills issues.
Skills to suit your local area
The Labour government has announced plans to start training 14-year-olds by 2028 to fill the type of jobs found in the area they live in. So where manufacturing, such as the production of windows or the profiles they are made from, is not off the card. Construction is a big focus because of a well-noted skills shortage.
A career of last resort
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Prime Minister's plans to put technical education on an equal footing with academic routes, could help address the construction sector's long-running skills issues, yet his announcement should be accompanied by further action to support apprenticeships and help building firms train the next generation of builders.
"Vocational and technical roles have long been treated as a career of last resort. Today's announcement is an important recognition that construction and other skilled trades deserve to be valued every bit as highly as traditional academic routes. If we are serious about tackling youth unemployment and delivering the skilled workforce the country needs, we must give young people clearer pathways into rewarding careers in construction."
Meeting needs
Berry added: "We particularly welcome the commitment to link technical education more closely to local labour market needs. Builders must not be forgotten in this mix. Builders do not exist in pockets, like manufacturing but are a nationwide network. Small builders train a large proportion of the construction workforce and have first-hand knowledge of the skills their communities require. Builders must be given a seat at the table as these reforms are developed. They will be instrumental in providing work experience, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. Their expertise will be crucial to ensuring that training meets the needs of both learners and industry.”
Picture: The FMB says technical education reforms must be backed by stronger apprenticeship support to tackle construction's skills shortage. Image Credit: Unsplash
The Federation of Master Builders has welcomed plans to strengthen technical education but says apprenticeships and support for firms training the next generation of tradespeople must remain central to construction skills reform.
