PM says UK will ‘value hard hat as much as graduation cap’ as he announces new technical education routes

The prime minister has announced major changes to the educational system which will see 14-year-olds given early access to technical education, skills training and work experience.

At a speech in Derby today, Andy Burnham announced the launch of what Downing Street said would be “prestigious” new technical educational routes.

The new PM said technical education would be put on an equal footing with the academic path, with Year 10 students to be given the chance to combine core academic subjects, such as English, maths and science, with technical education linked to jobs in their area and involving experience in local workplaces.

“From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap,” said Burnham, promising “an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life”. 

“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,” he said.

Most secondary schools already offer technical qualifications, but Burnham’s plan aims to boost the quality, availability and status of these, as well as linking them more closely with local employment opportunities.

The new technical educational pathways will be shaped by regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers, in order to meet the needs of local industries and growth sectors - an approach Burnham previously pioneered with his MBacc initiative in Greater Manchester.

For instance, the strategic authority could identify clean energy, advanced manufacturing or construction as a growing sector in the area and bring together local schools and businesses to develop a clearer route into those jobs.

According to the prime minister’s office, the changes are part of a wider programme of devolution of education powers, which will give local leaders greater influence over the education of 14-to-16-year-olds.

Responding to the announcement, Stephen Teagle, chief executive of partnerships and regeneration at Vistry, said the PM was”absolutely right” to bring parity between academic degrees and technical qualifications like bricklaying, and backed the decision to give regional mayors a strong role in the implementation. 

“The housebuilding industry is crying out for the next generation of skilled trades and construction workers to join us, not least as we need at least an additional 1.3 million tradespeople over the next decade so we can continue to deliver the homes that Britain needs,” he said.