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Onsite Construction T Level will be defunded, despite the government’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes in the next parliament
The government has set out its plan for the future of post-16 qualifications, which includes scrapping the Onsite Construction T Level.
Following a review into the vocational skills system, around 70% of qualifications that were slated for defunding under the previous government will now remain.
These qualifications – in subjects including agriculture, environmental and animal care, engineering, manufacturing, health and social care, legal, finance and accounting, business and administration, and creative and design – are considered to be key to the government’s growth mission.
In contrast, the Onsite Construction T Level will have no further enrolments due to a “lack of overall demand for large qualifications at level 3”, the government said.
Learners already enrolled will still be able to complete their courses.
‘A pragmatic approach’
Jacqui Smith, minister for skills, said: “Vocational and technical qualifications are crucial to our Plan for Change and our number one mission to grow the economy.
“This government is committed to the long-term delivery of T Levels as the best quality technical education option for young people.”
Smith added that qualifications are not “one-size-fits-all”, and that the government recognises that “we must take a pragmatic approach”.
“Our ambitious programme must meet the needs of employers and our public services if we are to see our economy flourish,” she said.
“We took decisive action as soon as we came into government to ensure the best outcomes for learners and I am thankful to all those who contributed to the pause and review.”
The government also outlined its commitment to other areas of construction training, including a recent announcement of £140 million from industry which will be used to create Homebuilding Skills Hubs.
This investment will enable more apprenticeships in construction to be started each year, which the government hopes will boost vital skills and support its target to build 1.5 million homes in the next parliament.
