Andy Burnham promises to value hard hats as much as graduation caps, Super Trowel starts today, and half of aspiring first-time buyers don't believe they will get on the property ladder
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to put technical skills on par with traditional academic learning, in a major shake-up of the education system.
Under his proposals, 14-year-olds will have the chance to combine core academic subjects with high quality technical education, linked to jobs in their area.
The plan, which is due to be rolled out by September 2028, will also provide students with work experience opportunities.
Currently, over a million 16-to-24-year-olds in the UK are not in education, employment or training.
Regional mayors, local leaders, educational institutions and employers are expected to work together to shape the new technical education system.
---
The UK’s fastest bricklayers are converging on the Hertfordshire Country Showground today for Super Trowel 2026.
The two-day event will host several competitions alongside the flagship Pro Series, including the Masters contest, the Hardest Hod and the Bricklayer Juniors tournament.
Last year’s event was won by Cole Stamper from the US, who laid 719 bricks after deductions.
---
And finally, more than half of aspiring first-time buyers believe they will never get on the property ladder, claims research from Home Owners Alliance.
The FMB said it was worrying that so many people had simply given up on the idea of owning their own home.
---
To listen to the construction news, please click below.
