The government said last night that from September 2029, 14-16-year-olds across the country will be offered “Vocational GCSEs” in topics that could include construction.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) welcomed the move but took issue with the word ‘could’. It called for a commitment and proper consultation with the industry, citing its research showing a strong appetite among young people to learn about construction.
Calling the move a “revolution in the classroom”, the Department for Education (DfE) said the new qualifications will be nationally set, with subject content based on subject expert advice.
Regulator Ofqual will oversee the new qualifications to ensure full parity with traditional GCSEs.
They will eventually replace existing Technical Awards, which currently vary by provider with no nationally set content and do not consistently support progression to further study.
The Vocational GSCEs are set to be available in some subjects from September 2029. DfE said subject options could include building and construction, business management and finance, creative media production, digital tech and child development. English, maths and science will remain core.
The new GCSEs would lead to further study through T Levels, the new V Levels or through A Levels.
Equal footing for technical education
Prime minister Andy Burnham pledged to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path in his first week in the job.
“We’ve all heard someone say ‘school wasn’t really for me’ because they were not given the chance to study vocational courses as well as traditional subjects.
“That one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working, so we’re building an education system that values both academic and technical paths.
“I want to give all young people across Britain the hope that their future will be brighter whether it starts at university or not.”
Education secretary Lucy Powell said: “Time and again young people, parents and employers tell me they want schools to do more to help them understand and prepare for the jobs of the future.
“That is why we are transforming technical education and ensuring every young person can access the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive in a changing world.
“Our new Vocational GCSEs will give young people a stronger connection to the careers and industries shaping our economy, helping them discover and develop their talents while maintaining high standards across our education system.”
‘We need clarity’
CIOB’s head of policy David Barnes welcomed the news, saying it would benefit students who struggle with rigid academic routes.
“Construction is a unique industry which offers many great roles both site-based and office-based,” he said.
“However, the government has said building and construction could be included as an option, rather than confirming it will be.
“To help schools and industry plan, we need clarity on what that means, including how subjects will be selected, when consultation will take place and how employers and professional bodies will be involved.”
He said the CIOB’s latest research showed a strong appetite among young people to learn more about construction, but that interest doesn’t translate into career choices.
Two-thirds of 2,000 16-to-24-year-olds surveyed had a positive view of construction careers, but only 30% said they’d consider working in the sector.
45% said construction wasn’t included in the careers advice they received.
“So, for these vocational courses to be successful they must be promoted to students and parents as viable options,” Barnes said.
Who will teach?
Barnes added that colleges already struggle to recruit teachers for built environment courses, so the government would need to figure out where teachers with recent expertise would come from.
“We hope ministers will set out a clear timetable for consultation and development and work closely with industry and professional bodies to ensure any new qualification gives young people a meaningful introduction to the modern construction sector.”
He added that the new approach should challenge “the perception that construction is solely about physically demanding, site-based work”.
“We’re looking forward to contributing to that process and opening up meaningful routes to careers in the built environment,” he said.
Challenge to employers
Alongside the Vocational GCSEs, the government is launching a “National Mission on Work Experience” with the Good Growth Business Forum and other employers.
It wants employers to provide an extra 200,000 work experience placements for 14-16-year-olds. Mayors and local authorities will be asked to foster links between schools and employers. Employers can contact their local Careers Hub to pledge new work experience placements.
