The Construction Confederation has called for vocational subjects taught in secondary schools to be tailored to the construction industry.
Chief executive Stephen Ratcliffe welcomed this week’s government announcement of vocational qualifications with GCSE status for 14-to-19-year-olds.

However, he added: “The proposals do not go far enough; I would like to see construction skills included.”

The eight new GCSEs include engineering and applied business, but not construction.

Ratcliffe said: “Vocational construction courses in schools would not only be significant in terms of following a career in construction but would also offer useful life skills.”

Construction Industry Training Board chairman Hugh Try said the measures “match our industry’s objectives”. He added: “There will be much to discuss with the government on the vital details of implementation.”

Brian Flint, deputy director of the Federation of Master Builders, called on the CITB to play a role in developing the subjects.