Andy Burnham’s plans for technical education build on coalition’s UTC roots
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is proposing a new vocational education model for students aged 14 and above, drawing inspiration from Kenneth Baker's University Technical Colleges. The plan seeks to elevate the status of technical skills to match academic qualifications.
Why it matters
The policy aims to address youth unemployment and align education more closely with local labor market needs.
Andy Burnham wants schools to develop technical and vocational courses for students aged 14 and above, responsive to local jobs market. Andy Burnham wants schools to develop technical and vocational courses for students aged 14 and above, responsive to local jobs market. Vocational education Analysis Andy Burnham’s plans for technical education build on coalition’s UTC roots Sally Weale Education correspondent PM’s vocational model also takes inspiration from former education secretary Kenneth Baker’s vision
Andy Burnham’s plans to put academic and technical education routes on an equal footing in England have been welcomed by many, but none were more enthusiastic than the former Conservative minister Kenneth Baker.
“I’m very impressed with what he has said,” the 91-year-old former education secretary, home secretary and Conservative party chair told the Guardian. “It’s a very significant announcement. I’m going to try to persuade the Conservative party to support this.”
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