Feature
New vocational GCSEs to include construction as Government expands technical education
The Government has announced plans to introduce new Vocational GCSEs in England, with Building and Construction among the subjects that could be available to students from September 2029.
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders( NFB), said:“ Those in vocational roles earn well, have great job satisfaction, are highly valued internationally and often pick up many transferable skills. Most nations already understand this and by embedding vocational learning and aspiration in the formal education system, Prime Minister Burnham is helping to bring the UK education system into the modern age.
We would urge the PM to consider the role of academies, as they are a readymade mechanism for delivery, particularly in areas where large employers or industries already operate.”
The qualifications will sit alongside existing GCSEs, with English, Maths and Science remaining a core part of the curriculum. The new awards are intended to replace existing Technical Awards and will have nationally determined content, assessment and grading overseen by Ofqual.
Subject choices will be developed with input from subject specialists, with local leaders, employers, schools and colleges also expected to have a role in determining which areas of study reflect local skills requirements.
The new qualifications will form part of wider changes to technical education, with students able to progress from age 14 into further study through routes including V Levels, T Levels and A Levels, as well as into apprenticeships and employment.
Building and Construction is one of the potential subjects identified by the
Building and Construction is one of the potential subjects identified by the Government, alongside areas including Business Management and Finance, Creative Media Production, Digital Tech and Child Development.”
Government, alongside areas including Business Management and Finance, Creative Media Production, Digital Tech and Child Development.
The Government has also announced a National Mission on Work Experience, with an ambition to create an additional 200,000 opportunities for 14 to 16-year-olds. Employers will be able to offer placements through their local Careers Hub, with construction among the sectors identified as able to provide opportunities.
The reforms form part of a wider programme of changes to technical and vocational education, including new V Levels from September 2027 and further expansion of T Levels from 2028.
The Government has said the new vocational qualifications will be developed to provide clearer progression between education and employment, while maintaining a common academic foundation for students.
The Department for Education has also said school accountability measures will be adjusted so that schools are supported to offer the new qualifications, while a consultation on the details of the new awards is expected later this year.
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