New technical education routes to be offered at 14 in England
The UK government has announced plans to introduce technical education pathways for 14-year-olds in England, focusing on subjects like manufacturing and AI. These courses aim to connect students with local industries and address rising youth unemployment.
Why it matters
This policy represents a significant shift in vocational training, aiming to reduce the number of young people not in education or employment by integrating real-world skills into the core curriculum.
Image source, Getty Images By Nathan Standley Education reporter Published 35 minutes ago Pupils will be able to study subjects like manufacturing and AI alongside core academic learning from age 14 under new government plans for education in England.
The government said the courses available from Year 10 would be linked to local jobs and industries.
The announcement comes after data published earlier this year showed more than one million young people across the UK were not in education, employment or training, or "Neet" - the highest level in more than 12 years.
School leaders' unions welcomed the government's ambition to improve technical education, but called for greater clarity on how and when the changes would be implemented, and how they would be paid for.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said "for too long" students had been told to take academic subjects to "do well and be respected".
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