The Labour Party is putting construction at the heart of its plans to rebuild the UK economy, with Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, encouraging schoolchildren to consider skilled trades such as bricklaying as viable, rewarding career paths.
In a recent interview and article in The Sunday Telegraph, Phillipson underscored the importance of directing young people towards technical education and vocational routes that lead to high-quality employment, particularly in sectors like construction where demand is high.
Labour’s plan includes:
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Significantly increasing the number of skilled apprenticeships.
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Prioritising British workers to fill skills gaps, rather than relying on overseas labour.
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Investing in further education colleges and strengthening technical qualifications.
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Creating an additional 150,000 places in further education and offering 4,000 new training places in construction-related roles.
Bridget Phillipson highlighted the urgent need to tackle the national skills shortage, with the construction sector facing a particular shortfall. She pointed to the vital role of apprenticeships and vocational training in giving young people access to long-term career opportunities—and helping meet the government’s ambitions to build 1.5 million homes by the end of the next Parliament.
At the IOC, we welcome any move that shines a light on the value of skilled trades and reinforces the critical importance of education, training, and investment in the construction workforce. We stand ready to support these initiatives, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in our sector.
To discover how the IOC is working to connect education and industry to raise standards across carpentry, joinery, and the wider wood trades, click here