The Mayor of the East Midlands joined Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Derby today for the national launch of new technical education routes which put mayors at the heart of shaping skills.
The changes are expected to help more young people aged 14 to 16 access high-quality technical education by creating clearer routes into careers, apprenticeships and further study, tailored to develop practical skills for industries that local employers need.
The announcement came as Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the Mayor visited Alstom in Derby, the UK’s largest train factory, where apprenticeships and graduate programmes are already helping young people develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed for successful careers.
Mayor Claire 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 are 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.”
The Government will work with regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers to form the new technical education pathways, with the aim to tailor routes around industries and growth sectors that matter most to their local communities.
The Prime Minister said: “For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected. The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
“I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life. From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.
“In a fundamental change to the education system, we will introduce new technical education pathways from 14 – prestigious routes that will give students the chance to combine the core academic subjects with the skills, technical knowledge and experience they need to get quality, well-paid jobs where they live. 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.
“Fixing the youth unemployment crisis in Britain will require a major shake-up in how we do things – and that’s what this government will do. I want to ensure that our education system leaves no dead ends for our young people. The changes we’re announcing today will just be the start of our work to restore opportunity and hope across the country.”
Whether young people choose university, an apprenticeship, further education or direct entry into a skilled profession, the new proposals are designed to support them in seeing a clear route from education into employment, gaining the knowledge, skills and experience they need to secure jobs and opportunities in their area.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell, who joined the Mayor and Prime Minister in Derby, said: “Every young person should be able to see a route to success, whatever their talents or ambitions. That’s why today is so important. It marks the start of a real shared effort with employers, businesses, mayors and councils to design an education system that connects young people to jobs and careers in their local area.
“By offering high-quality technical and vocational education alongside academic achievement, we’ll give more young people the chance to leave education with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy and the careers of the future.
“The technological revolution we are living through should mean young people become the fresh lifeblood our economy needs to adapt and grow. I want to make sure this generation is able to seize that opportunity, whatever their background or postcode.”
The visit comes after Mayor Claire attended the first meeting of the revived National Economic Council at No10 North in Manchester on Friday, where regional mayors joined ministers to help shape the Government’s plans for growth and devolution. No10 North has been established as a new hub for economic decision-making outside Westminster, bringing together national and local leaders to drive growth across the country.
Published on: 28 July 2026
Categories: News, Skills and Employment