Journal of Vocational Education and Training· 2026Q1
Construction-focused alternative provision: knowledge, conduct and participation for young people at risk of educational disengagement
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Construction-focused alternative provision (AP) programs are linked to increased engagement, confidence, and occupational recognition for young people at risk of educational disengagement, according to interviews with nine UK providers.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Construction alternative provision (AP) is associated with improved engagement and confidence in at-risk youth.
- Providers link AP arrangements to increased recognition of construction as an occupational field.
- Construction AP is positioned as a distinct form of provision between general and vocational education.
- Further research is needed on how construction AP structures knowledge, conduct, and progression.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
This study addresses a gap in research about the potential of construction alternative provision (AP) to address skills shortages within the industry and to support young people at risk of disengagement from education. Drawing on Bernstein’s theory of pedagogic discourse, this study reports the results of semi-structured interviews with nine construction AP providers across the UK, offering insights into how AP providers describe the organisation of technical skills, workplace knowledge and behavioural expectations for young people at risk of disengagement from education. The findings also show that providers associated these arrangements with greater engagement, confidence and recognition of construction as a possible occupational field. The article concludes that construction-focused AP should be understood as a diverse and under-researched form of provision that sits between general and vocational education. Rather than offering simple evidence of effectiveness, the study highlights the need for more systematic research into how construction-focused AP organises knowledge, conduct, learner identity and progression possibilities across different settings.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Human Factors and Ergonomics
Human Factors and ErgonomicsSocial Sciences