This week, the Prime Minister announced a shift in education policy—scrapping the previous target of 50% of young people attending university and replacing it with a new ambition: by the age of 25, two-thirds of young people will go on to university, further education, or a “gold standard apprenticeship.”

This change is more than just a numbers game. It’s a recognition that education and training should reflect the diverse strengths and aspirations of young people, while also meeting the skills needs of industries vital to the UK economy.

Andy Rayner, Director of Skills and Apprenticeships at Travis Perkins Plc, welcomed the announcement:

“The recent announcement, that the government will pursue a new target for young people going on to university, further education, or a ‘gold standard apprenticeship’ by the age of 25 is a real step forward for young people and industries like construction.

Putting apprenticeships on an equal footing with universities helps show that there are multiple routes to success. What matters now is making sure those apprenticeships are high quality, widely available and closely tied to real jobs, so industries like construction can attract the next generation of skilled workers.

At Travis Perkins we’ve long championed apprenticeships as a way of bringing new talent into the industry, and we’ll continue to work with colleges, training providers and employers to help more people build long-term careers in the trades.”

Why This Matters for Construction

The construction industry is facing a well-documented skills gap. With major projects planned across the UK—ranging from housing and infrastructure to green energy initiatives—demand for skilled tradespeople has never been higher. Apprenticeships offer a practical, hands-on route into the sector, giving learners valuable workplace experience while they earn qualifications.

By placing apprenticeships on an equal footing with traditional academic pathways, the government’s new target highlights that there isn’t one “right” route to success. For industries like construction, this creates a stronger pipeline of motivated, trained individuals who are ready to contribute to real projects and long-term careers.

Building Careers, Building Futures

At Travis Perkins, apprenticeships have long been part of our strategy for developing the next generation of construction professionals. By partnering with colleges, training providers, and employers, we’re committed to ensuring apprenticeships are not just accessible but meaningful—opening the door to rewarding careers in the trades.

With the government’s renewed focus on apprenticeships, we believe the construction industry has an opportunity to reshape perceptions, inspire young people, and build the workforce of the future.