GCSE in construction under consideration

A GCSE in construction could soon become a reality for school pupils with the formation of a steering group to take the idea forward.

Eighteen months ago several vocational GCSEs were introduced to schools but construction wasn't included.

After a great deal of lobbying from various industry bodies, the government commissioned a feasibility study into the proposal.

"The feasibility study is complete and a steering group has now been formed," said Kurt Calder, the Construction Confederation's (CC) external relations manager. "The first meeting of the group is at the beginning of July and will look in detail at what the GCSE would consist of and how it could be introduced."

It is believed a scheme piloting the GCSE in certain areas or schools, will be the preferred way of introducing the qualification.

The steering group consists of the CC, representing employers; the Construction Industry Training Board; the awarding bodies; and possibly unions, with others still to be confirmed.