Andy Burnham wants to set up the UK's first integrated technical education system, giving school leavers who don't want to go to university a clear route. The Greater Manchester mayor said that by working with the government, local colleges and businesses, the new system would be a 'game-changer'.
Backed by all technical education colleges in the city-region as well as a body which represents businesses, the aim is to offer three clear routes to young people when they reach the age of 16: A Levels, T Levels or apprenticeships. Employers would be at the heart of the European-style system to ensure opportunities are available to train in the skills the economy needs most.
Mr Burnham said this is the 'biggest missing piece in the jigsaw' in devolution for Greater Manchester and warned that without it, economic growth is at risk. He said: "For young people growing up in Greater Manchester, if they're on the university route, they have clarity on what lies ahead and the things they have to do and the way they progress to find opportunities they want to pursue.
