Building Britain’s future: Why construction is central to the UK’s education reforms

Dave Piper, Managing Director at Barnwood Limited, responds to the Budget and its implications for skills and education

The Chancellor’s Budget reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to boosting skills, technical education and the workforce of the future. 

Announcements included fully-funded SME apprenticeships for those under 25, £625 million for construction skills, the creation of 10 new Construction Technical Excellence Colleges and additional funding for 16–19 learners. Recent weeks have also brought a wave of change in education policy, with measures outlined in the White Paper which included plans to replace BTECs with ‘V-levels’ and the establishment of Skills England. 

It appears the Government has finally recognised the need to boost the UK’s ability to train, recruit and retain the skilled professionals needed for the workforce of the future. Whilst it’s encouraging to see education back at the heart of the national conversation, policy alone isn’t enough. Real progress will depend on the industries that will turn these ideas into reality. 

Chief among these is the construction industry. Too often our sector is seen as simply “bricks and mortar”, but as well as building the classrooms of the future, it is also a key destination to building rewarding careers. It’s crucial to remember that not all careers in construction are based on site, with roles such as quantity surveying, contracts management and finance equally as important in shaping the industry. 

Done well, construction can be a driving force behind regional regeneration, community value and social mobility. Every new school, college or training facility has the potential to shape futures beyond the physical space, helping to unlock the higher-level skills, confidence and aspirations that will underpin Britain’s long-term growth. 

The role of construction in education

Infrastructure and education have always been interconnected, with investment in one driving outcomes in the other. The Government’s new focus on “higher-level skills”, moving away from the old 50% university target towards a mix of skills-led pathways, is a shift many in our sector welcome. 

We know that construction thrives when there is a clear route for people to learn and progress on the job. 

The announcement of £100 million to fund ten new Technical Excellence Colleges specialising in construction is particularly positive. It is expected to train and upskill 40,000 learners by 2029 across bricklaying, carpentry, roofing, plumbing and electrics. 

This, along with greater support for apprenticeships and the extra £800 million being committed to 16–19-year-olds’ education in the coming year, is exactly the kind of ambition our industry needs to plug the skills gap whilst meeting the demand for the homes and infrastructure the country requires. 

The construction industry must lead the charge by balancing growth with sustainability and community value, creating environments that inspire learning and result in long-term social impact. 

Quality delivery, community and collaboration

I’ve always believed that good construction goes hand in hand with good education. 

The schemes we’ve delivered aim to deliver high-quality learning environments that sit at the heart of local areas, creating places where students, teachers and communities can grow together. 

It’s not just about the buildings themselves. Every project provides opportunities to support skills development and local employment, contributing to wider community benefit. 

For example, we’ve taken part in initiatives that link construction to education and aspiration, including supporting T-level learners and collaborating on programmes that widen access to training and employment. We’re also involved in community-focused initiatives such as reading and mentoring programmes in local schools, helping children develop confidence and a love of learning. This is what responsible construction looks like in practice, connecting projects to the communities they serve for the long term. 

Building the future responsibly

Construction has always been a driver of social and economic growth. It has a vital role in supporting national ambition, helping to build the environments and opportunities that allow people and places to grow.

But the future demands that we must also go further by building responsibly and inclusively. That means creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds, encouraging more diversity into the industry and showing young people that a career in construction can be highly rewarding. 

Looking beyond the Budget

In the wake of the Budget, I hope we’ll see continued momentum and investment in technical education, modern training facilities, SEND education and the partnerships that connect learning with meaningful employment. 

Success for education policy, in my opinion, will rely on support from industry partners, investment in skills and a shared commitment to social value. 

If we get this right, the benefits will be felt for decades, whether that’s in closer, more resilient communities, or a new generation of skilled workers ready to shape the years ahead. To me, that’s what building Britain’s future really means.

By Dave Piper, Managing Director at Barnwood Limited