Thousands more young people are set to train as bricklayers, plumbers and engineers, with the government creating 13,000 apprenticeship and T Level placement opportunities as part of its drive to overhaul school and college buildings.

Under the forthcoming education estates strategy, contractors delivering school building schemes will be required to demonstrate they are offering places for apprentices and T Level students. The government says 90% of roles will be available within a 30-mile radius of each project, boosting local labour markets.

The initiative supports the Prime Minister's target to get two thirds of young people into employment, education or training by 2028. Timed to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, Department for Education research indicates apprentices will contribute £25 billion to England's economy over their lifetime.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: "We can't rebuild schools that are fit for the future unless we have the skilled workers we need to build them.

"Our education estates strategy will set out our vision for school and college buildings to deliver growth and opportunity to their local communities, backed by our plan for a decade of national renewal.

"This government is leading by example, creating incredible opportunities for our young people by championing apprenticeships and T Levels in our school and college building projects."

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Colleges can now bid for a share of almost £300 million in capital funding to expand places nationwide, alongside £283 million already devolved to metro mayors and local leaders. The investment will increase capacity for 16- to 19-year-olds and grow construction training provision, aiming to cut waiting lists, alleviate skills shortages and support wider economic growth.

The 13,000 new opportunities will support people like Jay, a degree apprentice from Lee-on-Solent working with Kier group on the rebuild of his former school.

Jay said: "I feel our work here is important. It's a great school and I felt that the teachers supported me to excel whilst I was there.

"The new facilities will mean that the students and teachers will have the best school possible – meaning that students like my sister will have an even better place to learn.

"I'm proud to be part of the Kier team leaving an impact for generations to come in Gosport."

Managing director at Kier Construction Southern, John Boughton, said: "At Kier, we are committed to leaving lasting legacies for our communities. Jay's story is just one example of how we nurture the next generation of talent into our industry.

"Our teams engage directly with local schools, colleges and community groups to provide clear routes into the diverse range of careers in construction."

Ministers say a commitment to long-term funding through to 2034–35 will allow firms to plan ahead and invest in training. A longer contract with industry, running for eight years rather than the previous four, is intended to give builders confidence to recruit more apprentices and trial new methods.

Further education colleges, backed by a new network of ten Construction Technical Excellence Colleges, will be central to training apprentices, helping young people enter the sector and remain in employment once qualified.

Through the government's Plan for Change, almost £20 billion is being committed to the School Rebuilding Programme to 2034–35. This will rebuild over 500 schools and sixth-form colleges across England, with a further 250 institutions to be selected.

The measures build on a major £1.5 billion cash injection designed to provide learning or employment opportunities for almost one million young people and to create 50,000 additional apprenticeships over the next three years.

To speed up delivery, approval times to update apprenticeships and develop short courses for major projects are being cut from up to 18 months to as little as three months. New pilots will match 'near miss' applicants to similar local apprenticeship opportunities, and an online platform will offer clearer information on routes and outcomes.