Prime Minister Andy Burnham will launch a fundamental change to the education system today in a bid to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path.
In a message to students, he will say “whether you choose construction, coding or classics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve.”
From age 14 (Year 10), students will have the chance to combine core academic subjects – including English, maths and science – with a high-quality technical education linked to the jobs available in their area. They will also be able to spend time with employers and gain real-world experience.
Burnham said regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers will work together to shape the new technical education pathways while the Government will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work.
The plans are due to be rolled-out from September 2028.
Burnham said: “For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected. The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
“I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life. From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.
“Fixing the youth unemployment crisis in Britain will require a major shake-up in how we do things – and that’s what this government will do. I want to ensure that our education system leaves no dead ends for our young people.”
Currently over a million 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are now not in education, employment or training.
Employers will be expected to play a bigger role in supporting young people through mentoring, workplace visits, projects and high-quality work experience.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will launch a fundamental change to the education system today in a bid to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path.
In a message to students, he will say “whether you choose construction, coding or classics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve.”
From age 14 (Year 10), students will have the chance to combine core academic subjects – including English, maths and science – with a high-quality technical education linked to the jobs available in their area. They will also be able to spend time with employers and gain real-world experience.
Burnham said regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers will work together to shape the new technical education pathways while the Government will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work.
The plans are due to be rolled-out from September 2028.
Burnham said: “For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected. The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
“I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life. From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.
“Fixing the youth unemployment crisis in Britain will require a major shake-up in how we do things – and that’s what this government will do. I want to ensure that our education system leaves no dead ends for our young people.”
Currently over a million 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are now not in education, employment or training.
Employers will be expected to play a bigger role in supporting young people through mentoring, workplace visits, projects and high-quality work experience.
