The government has announced the scrapping of the onsite construction T level, citing insufficient demand for places on the Level 3 qualification.
The onsite construction T level was introduced in September 2021, a year after the first three subject areas – design, surveying and planning for construction – got the ball rolling.
While current students will be allowed to complete their courses, there will be no further enrolments in this qualification.
A statement from the Department for Education said: “We recently announced £140m from industry to create Homebuilding Skills Hubs, which will enable thousands more apprenticeships in construction to be started every year.
“This will ensure these vital skills are rapidly developed in the areas that need them most, helping to meet the government’s milestone of 1.5 million homes being built in the next parliament.”
Onsite construction T levels cover bricklaying, painting and decorating, plastering, and carpentry and joinery.
In August, figures showed 27 students failed to pass their onsite construction course, meaning the subject only had an 80.4 per cent pass rate – the worst of any subject except design and development for engineering and manufacturing (72.3 per cent).
This decision comes as part of a broader overhaul of post-16 qualifications, aimed at simplifying the system and ensuring it meets the needs of learners and employers.
A rapid review of vocational qualifications has led to the withdrawal of funding for over 200 low-enrolment qualifications, with changes effective from August 2025.
Minister for skills Jacqui Smith said: “This government is committed to the long-term delivery of T levels as the best quality technical education option for young people.
“We took decisive action as soon as we came into government to ensure the best outcomes for learners and I am thankful to all those who contributed to the pause and review.”
