AQA has expanded its footprint in the vocational skills sector through the acquisition of Construction EPA, aimed at addressing the construction industry's growing demand for skilled workers.

Target Overview

AQA has made a strategic move into the vocational skills sector by acquiring Construction EPA, a company dedicated to facilitating the transition of apprentices into full-time employment. Founded by Samuel Riley just five years ago, Construction EPA is based in Preston and specializes in end point assessment for the construction industry. This sector is anticipated to experience significant growth due to the UK Government's commitment to increasing housing supply and expanding apprenticeship opportunities, driven by a critical demand for construction workers.

The United Kingdom is forecasted to require an additional 250,000 construction workers by 2028 to meet escalating demand. As the third largest provider of construction end point assessments in the UK, Construction EPA assesses apprentices across a breadth of construction skills such as bricklaying, carpentry, and plastering. The organization operates assessment centers in Chorley, Leeds, and Stoke, and has plans for expansion into other areas of England.

Industry Overview

The vocational training industry in the UK, particularly within the construction sector, is poised for expansion due to various government initiatives aimed at increasing housing development and addressing the skills gap. Local authorities are under pressure t