According to a new review of vocational qualifications not enough is being done in schools to highlight careers in trades such as construction
The review of vocational qualifications also said the range of courses on offer was “confusing” and they often do not prepare students for the workplace.
The regulator, Qualifications Wales, said broader and simpler qualifications are needed.
Recent research suggested the building industry in Wales is set to grow faster than any other part of the UK.
The review looked at whether vocational qualifications for the construction industry met the needs of employers and learners.
Its findings included:
- Even with more than 400 qualifications in the sector, there are sometimes gaps in what is offered
- They do not sufficiently cover some new technologies or reflect changes in the industry
- Construction students leaving further education colleges were often not ready for the workplace, lacked on-site experience or an understanding of the working environment
- Jobs in vocational trades are often viewed as a “poor relation” to academic qualifications.
Cassy Taylor, of Qualifications Wales, said new qualifications were needed to provide a “clear route” for young people at 16 moving into apprenticeships as soon as possible, because employers wanted them to be able to learn skills on the job.
“We’re also asking Careers Wales to look at promoting the industry more to young people… so [they] can see the real opportunities for a very dynamic and growing sector in Wales,” she added.
Justin Moore, Welsh operations director at construction company Bouygues, said the industry in Wales was buoyant but with skills gaps for ground-workers and dry-liners, who fit plasterboard.
“If we can’t get the workforce, obviously work can’t be done,” he said.
“We quite often change the way we build a project or the materials we’re going to use in line with the skills that are available.”
A consultation will now open on options for reforming the system.
