Travis Perkins calls for clear apprenticeship pathways

By Adrian NorthPublished On: July 31st, 2026Categories: Top Stories

Travis Perkins has welcomed the Government’s plans to expand access to technical education from the age of 14 but has warned that the reforms must be backed by clear pathways into construction apprenticeships and long-term employment if they are to help tackle the industry’s skills shortage.

The comments follow the Government’s announcement that more pupils will have access to technical education earlier in their school careers as part of wider education reforms designed to improve skills and support economic growth.

Andy Rayner, Director of Skills and Apprenticeships at Travis Perkins plc, said the proposals have the potential to strengthen the construction talent pipeline, provided employers, education providers and local communities work together to ensure training reflects industry demand.

Construction employers urged to shape local skills provision

Rayner said closer collaboration between schools, colleges and employers would be essential if technical education is to provide meaningful routes into construction careers.

He said: “Giving young people greater access to technical education from the age of 14 could be a positive step towards strengthening the construction skills pipeline, but the detail of how these pathways will work will be critical.

“For the reforms to deliver lasting results, schools, colleges and local construction employers must work closely together to shape courses, work experience and careers advice around the skills needed in their area.

“The pathways also need to connect clearly with further education and genuine employment opportunities, with a strong focus on apprenticeships rather than ending when pupils leave school.”

Earlier careers advice could boost construction recruitment

Rayner also highlighted the need to improve awareness of the wide range of careers available across the construction sector, including opportunities within the building materials supply chain.

He added: “Many young people still have a limited understanding of the range of careers available across construction and, in particular, in the construction supply sector. Earlier exposure to the sector could help challenge those perceptions and show that technical education can lead to skilled, respected and long-term careers.

“Employers have a critical role to play in making sure these opportunities reflect the realities of the sector and give young people a clear route into work through offering apprenticeships.”

The comments come as the construction industry continues to face persistent skills shortages across multiple trades and occupations, with employers increasingly calling for stronger links between education, vocational training and industry to help meet future workforce demand.