Construction leaders in East Anglia have broadly welcomed the government’s plan to offer technical subjects for post-14 pupils.
The courses, which will be available from Year 10, are set to be linked to local industries, such as construction, to provide a clearer path into work for those leaving school.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected.
“The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
“I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life.
“From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.”
He added the plans were a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system and would give students the chance to combine core academic subjects with the skills and technical knowledge they need to get quality, well-paid jobs.
Simon Girling, Director of SEH French, welcomed the news – saying the move would make the construction industry accessible for many more people.
“This support from the government can only be a good thing,” he said.
“We have seen that T-Levels are starting to have a positive impact on the industry and SEH French has recently had a very successful work placement student with us ourselves.
“Giving pupils the chance to take on more technical subjects makes the construction industry even more accessible for them.
“There are many very successful people within the industry who are not particularly academic, so this new initiative creates clear pathways for all.”
The changes make up part of the government’s wider programme of devolution with the aim of giving local leaders more influence over education for 14 to 16-year-olds.
The government will work with mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers to create the new technical education pathways and hopes to begin rolling them out from September 2028.
Liv Bradley, Director of West Suffolk College’s Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), also welcomed the plans, saying the reforms had the potential to ‘create stronger links between education and industry’.
She said: “East of England CTEC, which is part of Eastern Education Group, welcomes the government’s plans to introduce technical education pathways from the age of 14.
“These reforms provide meaningful opportunities for both academically and vocationally minded learners to follow routes that align with their strengths while developing the skills and knowledge needed for careers in industries such as construction.
“We particularly welcome the proposed bursary support for apprentices.
“For many families, the loss of child benefit can outweigh an apprentice’s starting salary, creating a significant barrier to choosing this pathway.
“This additional support could help more young people access apprenticeships and progress into skilled employment.
“These reforms have the potential to create stronger links between education and industry, helping to build a sustainable, industry-ready workforce for the future and giving technical education the recognition it deserves.”
April Broadberry, Head of Social Value at DPL Group said: “The DPL Group welcomes Andy Burnham’s support for greater investment in technical pathways, building the opportunities for the next generation to become work ready to successfully enter the construction industry is one of our key social value targets.
“We recognise, as local business leaders, our responsibility in creating opportunities for our young people, and the importance of vocational and technical opportunities that create a clear pathway from education into employment.
“We are pleased and confident that priority the Government are placing in building the technical pathways between education and industry will deliver bigger and better opportunities for young people keen to start a career in construction.
“At DPL, and our affiliate companies P&D and GTS, we have been actively working to strengthen industry partnerships with educational providers, bolstering the pathway for young people to enter the industry.
“The DPL 2026 educational programme is building key partnerships across schools, colleges and industry partners to inspire the next generation of construction professionals, ensuring they develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed to support the future growth of the sector and the wider economy.”
