- Andy Burnham visits East Midlands for first time as Prime Minister to make key announcement for young people
- New technical education routes will provide 14-year-olds with early access to technical skills, work experience and connections with local employers
- PM is joined by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and Derby South MP Baggy Shanker
Prime Minister Andy Burnham today chose Derby to launch prestigious new technical educational routes for young people, saying those who don’t follow the academic path should “never be treated as second class citizens”.
On his first visit to the region as Labour Party Leader and PM, Andy headed to Alstom in Derby – the UK’s largest train factory – alongside Education Secretary Lucy Powell and Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden to meet apprentices working at the site with bright careers ahead of them.
Joined by Labour’s East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and Labour MP for Derby South Baggy Shanker, the PM celebrated the “brilliant opportunities” on offer from the local business, which already creates routes for young people to get the skills they need for successful employment.
But he said Derby’s example “should be the norm” and his new plan – providing 14-year-olds with valuable early access to technical skills, work experience and connections with local employers – will see Britain “value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap”.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “It was incredible to be in Derby today to see the brilliant opportunities being offered to young people at Alstom.
“It should be the norm across the East Midlands and the whole country – young people should see these opportunities from school and never be treated as second class citizens for taking a different path into work.
“I’m proud that my Labour government will put those building blocks in place with today’s announcement as we bring back hope for young people in this region and beyond.”
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 is linked to the jobs available in their area – being able to spend time with employers and gain real-world experience.
Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers will work together to shape the new technical education pathways, which can be tailored around local industries and growth sectors – rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all system designed in Whitehall.
Labour’s Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “If we are serious about economic growth, technical education needs to be a first choice, not a last resort – and it needs to be a path that young people can choose earlier in life. The Prime Minister understands this. He showed how it could look with the Manchester MBacc and is now extending the opportunity to young people the country over, including in the East Midlands.”
“It is right that he has come to Derby to make this announcement. Derby is a true city of manufacturing, a place where you can see where technical education can take you. Alstom – where we have been today – is an example of this. These are exciting, vital jobs – and for many young people, having those jobs in view as you continue your education will ensure they stay engaged in learning and training.”
“Mayors will be how we ensure learning, training, and skills is grounded in the real economy, and I look forward to working with schools, colleges, and employers to create opportunities that reflect the needs of our local industries. Together, we will ensure that young talent can flourish, to the benefit of us all.”
Labour MP Baggy Shanker added: “I got my start through an apprenticeship at 16, and it opened the door to a 35-year career in engineering.
“Derby knows the value of technical skills. Giving young people an earlier introduction to employers and a clearer route into skilled work will help more of them find opportunity closer to home, build a secure and independent future, while giving local businesses the skilled workforce they need to grow.”
