T.LEVEL, THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION

T-level construction students are the future of the industry, says Actis

The first tranche of successful construction-focused T-level students, whose results were released in the last few days, are in the vanguard of helping transform an industry struggling to find skilled tradespeople, says insulation specialist Actis.

The results saw an across-the-board pass rate of just over 90% for the 3,448 students taking a range of technical levels, which included three construction focused subjects.

Students taking two of these – Onsite construction and Building services engineering for construction – are the first to have completed the two-year course. And it is the second year that students have completed the Design, surveying and planning for construction course.

The initial tranche of vocational subjects, available to 16- to 19-year-olds, which also include subjects such as accountancy, healthcare and finance,

will be augmented in 2024 and 2025 or beyond to embrace agriculture, legal services and catering.

“It is so encouraging for the future of construction that young people are able to choose a structured course which will prepare them for a vocational career,” said Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper.

“With around 20 per cent of the course involving industry placement, the students get a real insight into their chosen profession, with strong academic back-up via classroom learning. With the T-levels being worth around the same as three A levels, it’s reassuring to see careers in construction given the elevated status they deserve. It’s a complicated business and with net zero targets and complex building regulations it requires a combination of academic know-how and physical ability – something which has perhaps not previously been recognised either by the education system or the wider public.

“With the ever-present need for more homes and for retrofitting existing thermally inefficient ones, there is huge demand for the services of talented skilled people in the industry.

“We are very keen on encouraging young people to consider careers in construction – and some of our team go into schools to talk about the kind of roles available and even take part in lessons at FE colleges, offering real life industry insight.”