Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of young people entering the construction sector in Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government is committed to ensuring young people have access to high-quality technical education that leads to real job opportunities in construction. Earlier this year, we announced a £625 million investment to address skills shortages and support major national projects, including housing and clean energy.

This investment will expand construction courses in colleges and grow Skills Bootcamps - short, flexible courses designed for those starting out or looking to upskill. Foundation Apprenticeships in construction launched in August, providing a clear route into the industry, and additional Skills Bootcamps are now being delivered by local and national providers.

This package also created 10 new Technical Excellence Colleges across England.

The South East region’s designated Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) is North Kent College. As the regional hub, it supports a network of local providers across the South East - including Surrey Heath.

The package also funds more local placements and apprenticeships, giving learners practical experience close to home. Through these measures, we are creating strong pathways for young people, including those in Surrey Heath, to enter construction and build rewarding careers in a sector critical to the UK’s growth and Net Zero ambitions.