In a move to address critical skills shortages within the UK construction and healthcare sectors, the government has announced a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at training the next generation of builders and carers.
Central to this initiative is an investment of £3 billion in apprenticeships, designed to create 120,000 new training opportunities focused on key trades, including bricklaying, carpentry, and healthcare support roles.
The reforms, unveiled on 27 May 2025, target the domestic workforce, particularly young people, with the goal of revitalising the construction industry and supporting vital NHS services.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, which seeks to drive economic growth by expanding access to skills development in priority sectors.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader Plan for Change
A cornerstone of the strategy includes the launch of 13 new Level 2 construction courses for adults in non-devolved areas under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme, alongside £14 million in adult skills funding for construction allocated to local mayors.
This funding is expected to assist up to 5,000 additional adult learners in gaining relevant qualifications next academic year.
Additionally, £100 million has been earmarked over four years to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps, with 10 new technical excellence colleges specialising in construction skills scheduled to open in September 2025.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised the importance of a skilled workforce, stating: “A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.”
A cornerstone of the strategy includes the launch of 13 new Level 2 construction courses
The reforms also include a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, intended to generate up to 45,000 extra training places by upskilling the domestic workforce and reducing reliance on migration in key sectors.
As the construction industry continues to face labour shortages, these measures aim to deliver a steady pipeline of skilled workers capable of supporting the government’s ambitious housing and infrastructure targets, while also bolstering the healthcare sector with more trained support staff for the NHS.
The initiative responds to a decade-long decline in apprenticeship starts and addresses concerns highlighted by recent Office for National Statistics data, which showed that one in eight young people aged 16-24 are not engaged in employment, education, or training.
By prioritising skills development at lower qualification levels, the government hopes to break down barriers to opportunity, equipping young people and adults alike with the practical expertise needed to rebuild Britain’s workforce across critical industries.
The reforms also include a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge
Milton Walcott, Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality Manager at Complete Fixing Solutions, said: “I am excited to see the government’s focus on expanding apprenticeships and skills training for young people.
“The introduction of Foundation Apprenticeships is a great step forward in helping young people build the skills they need for the future.
“The emphasis on getting more 16 to 18-year-olds into work-based learning is particularly important, and we’re looking forward to supporting these efforts to help build a strong, skilled workforce that drives economic growth.”
Rob Dodds, Controller at Unipres (UK), said: “What a fantastic opportunity for young people to start their careers with a Foundation Apprenticeship, these reforms will remove some of the barriers that young people face when looking for an apprenticeship. We are looking forward to the chance to run these apprenticeships after their launch in August.”