Andy Burnham’s plans for technical education build on coalition’s UTC roots

Andy Burnham’s plans for technical education build on coalition’s UTC roots

Andy Burnham, England’s new prime minister, has announced plans to place academic and technical education on equal footing within the school system, with the goal of reducing youth unemployment and addressing skills gaps in the job market. The proposal includes developing technical and vocational courses for students aged 14 and above that respond to local employment needs. The initiative draws inspiration from the Greater Manchester baccalaurea…

The case for putting technical education on equal footing with university

LAST month, prime minister Andy Burnham set out his ambition to create an education system “based on parity between academic and technical” and for Britain to “value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap”. Yet the changes announced will affect pupils long before they enter a construction site or begin university. From the age of 14, pupils will soon be offered a range of new technical education pathways. Mirroring those proposed in the Cent…

From Opportunity to Employment: Building Skills Pathways that Work for Learners and Employers

Andy Burnham’s first speech as Prime Minister included a commitment to help more young people into work by changing the education system and providing greater support, including mental health support.It is a welcome ambition at a time when many employers continue to face skills shortages while too many young people still struggle to find a clear route into employment. That ambition is an important reminder that education should not simply prepar…