TRC to help create 'next generation of construction workers'

The college has been chosen as part of a Yorkshire and Humber group of 'Qualification Practitioners' in a £96m national plan to create tens of thousands of placements on building sites across the country to plug skills gaps and boost housebuilding.

The plan has been published to support schools and colleges to deliver V Levels and other new vocational qualifications, including announcing new subjects from 2028.

TRC is part of the Yorkshire and Humber group of Qualification Practitioners alongside Luminate Education Group and Sheffield College.

The new group has been created to lead the way for the sector, said a government spokesperson, “shaping and sharing best practice as providers transition to the new qualifications.

“Providers will be required to have robust transition plans to support staff, students, and employers through the change.”

They added: “The construction industry is facing significant shortages, with the latest Office for National Statistics figures showing there are over 35,000 job vacancies – over half of which are due to a lack of required skills.”

For 16-year-olds who are not ready to progress beyond GCSEs due to lower attainment, there are two new qualifications.

Occupational Certificates are two-year courses for those who want to get into work or an apprenticeship but need support to achieve English and Maths GCSEs.

Foundation Certificates are one-year courses for students who want to progress to A-levels, T-levels or V-levels but need extra support to pass their GCSEs.

New subjects available from 2028 will also include V Levels in construction design, engineering design and engineering manufacturing and Occupation Certificates in bricklaying, painting, plumbing, accounts and finance, and adult care worker.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith added: “We’re removing the snobbery from hands-on learning and putting it on par with academic to break down barriers for young people to get rewarding jobs.

“Our landmark vocational qualifications and placements will create a strong pipeline of workers by equipping young people with the real-world skills that employers need and that will fuel the jobs of the future.”