The reform of construction apprenticeships will now reflect different risk factors for different tradespeople under a new approach agreed between the industry and government.

A methodology for risk profiling different trades has been developed following a year of talks between the Construction Taskforce and Skills England.

The taskforce – led by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) and including 35 membership and professional bodies – raised concern about the reforms in relation to safety-critical occupations and the Building Safety Act 2022. This led to the reforms, first announced in early 2025, being paused.

The new model ensures there are robust measures for professions deemed higher risk. Measures include mandated specific assessment methods, limited sampling in higher-risk areas and ensuring evidence requirements align with relevant industry competence standards and any associated licence card schemes.

Examples of the new risk-based approach standards include:

• Level 2 Painter and Decorator (low risk): limited additional prescription, with defined tolerance levels in certain areas, such as alignment to skills carding requirements.

• Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor (medium risk): core Skills England structure retained, plus a mandated professional discussion with flexibility in supporting assessment methods.
• Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery (high risk): safety-critical skills and outcomes are mandated, sampling scope reduced, tolerance deviations defined, and a mandatory observation or simulation required and flexible additional assessment methods aligning with the blue CSCS card requirements.

The assessment plan for the Carpentry and Joinery trade level 2, as well as General Builder level 2 and level 4 Building Services Engineering Senior Technician are in public consultation with feedback closing on 2 August.

‘A more streamlined approach’

British Woodworking Federation chief executive Helen Hewitt said: “The introduction of a new risk-based approach means each occupation can now be assessed on its own merits and aligned with the competence requirements expected by industry.”

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Skills England deputy director Jonathan Mitchell added: “Together, we have developed a more streamlined approach to apprenticeship assessment that manages risks, maintains employer confidence and reflects the realities of the regulatory landscape.

“The close collaboration and constructive challenge from partners across industry, government and regulators has been critical in reaching this point.”