Andy Burnham has received approval for his plan to create the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), a program providing alternatives to university for teenagers interested in vocational fields like construction and the creative industry. The program aims to offer clear pathways and choices for 14-year-olds choosing GCSEs. While the Department of Education initially expressed concerns about narrowing opportunities, the new Labour government, under Angela Rayner, has pledged to strengthen the mayor's role in technical education and skills development.
Andy Burnham has been given the 'green light' for his plans to create an 'equal alternative' for kids who don't go to university.
The Deputy Prime Minister has now written to Mr Burnham, promising to 'strengthen' the mayor's role in relation to technical education. The joint letter which was signed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves too, says that the government is still committed to a 'national and consistent approach' to technical education, but recognises the 'pivotal role' mayors play, working with local employers.
"We believe the MBacc will be a game-changer for technical education in our city-region, creating an equal alternative to the university route, and demonstrating that will be our defining mission in 2025. As you note in your letter, however, there is much further to go, and we will seek further control of post-16 skills provision to enhance our capabilities in this area."
But speaking to the Manchester Evening News following the announcement, Mr Burnham said he had hoped the government would go further on technical education. He said: "Where I want this to get to is us looking at the Greater Manchester economy, looking at our needs across construction, digital and tech, health and care and starting to commission the colleges in terms of numbers of places.
Greater Manchester Baccalaureate Technical Education Devolution Vocational Training
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