Govt plans for 14+ technical pathways 'a welcome step'

Government plans for young people to access technical education pathways are ‘a welcome step' towards developing a talent pipeline to ‘match the UK's infrastructure ambitions', the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) has said.

Under new prime minister Andy Burnham's plans, pupils aged 14 and above can combine core academic subjects with technical education, workplace experience and contact with local employers.

Schools, colleges, employers, mayors and local leaders will help design pathways reflecting the industries and employment opportunities in their areas, with the Government aiming to begin introducing the new routes from September 2028.

CECA director of policy and public affairs, Ben Goodwin, said: ‘CECA strongly welcomes the Prime Minister's commitment to value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap.

‘Civil engineering offers opportunities across an exceptionally broad range of highly-skilled and well-paid roles. Giving young people meaningful exposure to these careers from an earlier age will transform perceptions of our sector as they gain valuable real-world experience of the opportunities our sector offers.'

However, the association also added that the success of these plans will ‘depend on implementation' and that it would require industry to be involved from the outset to design the new pathways.

‘Technical qualifications must reflect the skills that contractors actually need,' Mr Goodwin explained, ‘while work experience must be meaningful, properly coordinated and practical for businesses of all sizes to provide.

‘Young people in all parts of the UK should understand that choosing a technical route does not close down their options but can open the door to apprenticeships, further education, professional qualifications and senior positions throughout the sector.

‘Skills policy cannot, however, operate separately from infrastructure policy. Contractors are more able to recruit apprentices, provide placements and invest in training when they have confidence in a stable and visible pipeline of work.'