A-level results put spotlight on construction skills pipeline

By Danny BallPublished On: August 13th, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Travis Perkins has called for greater visibility of vocational education and apprenticeships as students across England receive their A-level, T Level and vocational qualification results.

The construction sector continues to face a significant skills shortage, with employers looking to attract more young people into skilled trades and technical roles.

The latest results show a rise in participation in technical education, with almost 20,000 students completing T Levels this year, up from almost 12,000 in 2025. The pass rate was above 90%.

A-level results

Construction also saw an increase in the number of young people taking vocational technical qualifications, which rose by almost 20% compared with 2025.

Construction skills pipeline

The results come as the government continues to expand technical and vocational education, including plans for new V Levels and reforms aimed at giving young people greater choice between academic and practical routes.

Travis Perkins said clearer pathways into construction could help address the industry’s long-term workforce requirements by connecting education more closely with practical training and employment.

Andy Rayner, Director of Skills and Apprenticeships at Travis Perkins Plc, said: “As a leading apprenticeship employer that has supported more than 2,000 apprentices, Travis Perkins understands how important clear vocational pathways are in strengthening the UK’s future workforce.

“Construction offers skilled, long-term careers, but the industry continues to face a significant skills gap.

“Creating routes that allow students to combine academic learning with practical, job-focused training can help more people see construction as a viable and rewarding career.

“The planned introduction of construction V Levels is a positive step. Alongside apprenticeships, college courses and retraining opportunities, qualifications like this can help widen access to the industry and support the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”

T Levels and technical education expand

Government figures show that the number of students receiving T Level results increased by more than 65% this year, with almost 20,000 completing the qualifications.

The number of students taking A-level maths also increased by 3.7%, while participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects rose by the same proportion.

Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s exam results are a moment to celebrate the hard work of hundreds of thousands of young people.

“We wish every student the very best of luck as they consider their future plans. Whatever their next step, businesses will value their ideas, determination and potential.

“Academic routes are only one part of the system. Government plans to strengthen technical and vocational education to deliver the skills firms need are welcome. We look forward to working in partnership to help ensure the system delivers for students, businesses and the economy.

“Careers advice, essential employability skills and real-world learning should be embedded throughout the curriculum from an early age. This will help more young people make informed choices and support future business growth.”

The government has also announced plans to expand opportunities for young people to combine academic subjects with technical education linked to local employers.

The reforms are intended to widen access to vocational education and support routes into skilled employment, including construction and other sectors facing workforce shortages.