The Prime Minister has unveiled a fundamental change to the education system with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes.
The new pathways will provide 14-year-olds with valuable early access to technical skills, work experience and connections with local employers.
The Prime Minister is determined to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path and to ensure there are ‘no dead ends’ for young people coming out of the education system.
This means providing high-quality technical education routes that are valued and respected by students, parents and employers. In a message directly to students, he said ‘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 that’s linked to the jobs available in their area. They will be able to spend time with employers and gain real-world experience.
Barnet Labour’s Cabinet member for family friendly Barnet. Councillor Pauline Coakley-Webb said: “We welcome the Government’s revitalised efforts to ensure opportunities for all youngsters.
“We in Barnet have the second lowest rate of young people not in employment, education or training, with only 0.7 per cent of 16-19 year olds – 88 in total – facing this challenge.
“Our administration is ready to work with Government to be ambitious in ensuring all young people have the best start in life.”
Prime Minister Andy 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.
“In a fundamental change to the education system, we will introduce new technical education pathways from 14 – prestigious routes that will give students the chance to combine the core academic subjects with the skills, technical knowledge and experience they need to get quality, well-paid jobs where they live. My message to young people is this – whether you choose construction, coding or classics, or maths, manufacturing or mechanics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve.
“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. The changes we’re announcing today will just be the start of our work to restore opportunity and hope across the country.”
