Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help young people with level 2 and 3 diplomas in construction-related skills secure work in the construction industry.

The government is taking action to help young people studying Level 2 and Level 3 construction qualifications make the transition from the classroom into skilled employment. From the 2026/27 academic year, eligible learners are being supported to undertake construction industry placements, giving them meaningful, hands-on workplace experience and helping them become more site ready.

As part of the government’s £625 million Construction Skills package, up to £32 million a year is being provided to support up to 40,000 industry placements annually for Level 2 and Level 3 construction learners.

By strengthening links between further education providers and construction employers, these placements are intended to give young people the practical experience they need and support progression into skilled employment and apprenticeships.