The plans for technical education reform will build on local initiatives like the MBacc, or Greater Manchester Baccalaureate, which was announced in 2023 by the now prime minister when he was the city’s mayor.
Launched there in September 2024, it has provided a framework for pupils to pick GCSE subjects in both academic and technical subjects which align with growing local industries, like green energy or digital.
The government said it would be working with regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers to deliver its plans nationally.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the announcement “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”.
“The technological revolution we are living through should mean young people become the fresh lifeblood our economy needs to adapt and grow,” she said.
“I want to make sure this generation is able to seize that opportunity, whatever their background or postcode.”
Milburn said the changes announced for England on Tuesday were “very welcome”.
“They are a big step in the right direction and consistent with the findings of my review,” he said.
“A whole system reset is needed across health, welfare and labour market policy as well as in education and skills.
“I know the PM recognises this and my final report will outline the further changes that are needed.”
But Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, said the announcements “don’t come anywhere close to undoing the damage Labour has already done to the job market”.
“We all want to see better opportunities for young people and a boost to technical education, but this announcement is all over the place…
“It’s not clear whether or not Labour intends to replace GCSEs, which would be a disaster.
“The focus should be on the knowledge-rich curriculum that has helped the most deprived children.”
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said he was pleased the government was treating the “shocking” number of Neets as an “urgent priority”.
Though he said the union supported its aims, he said there was “little detail” about what the plans for educational reform would look like in practice.
He added that it was “wrong” to make major educational policy announcements in the middle of the school summer holiday.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said school leaders “support the principle of giving technical and vocational education the same status and recognition as more traditional academic routes”.
“However, this announcement sets out a direction of travel rather than detailed proposals, and schools will need much greater clarity about what it means in practice and over funding,” he added.
