A fundamental change to the education system, creating prestigious new technical educational routes for young people, wasunveiled today by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Welcoming the new pathways to provide 14-year-olds with valuable early access to technical skills, work experience and connections with local employers, Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“Our skills system must keep pace with a changing economy and prepare people for the jobs of the future. Alongside our businesses and young people across the West, I welcome academic and technical routes into the world of work being equally valued.
“That’s why we’re working with employers, schools, colleges, and young people to develop our West of England Baccalaureate (West Bacc), bringing education and business closer together and creating clearer pathways into the jobs our region needs. From engineeringand clean energy, to digital and creative industries and the everyday economy, every young person will see a route into a great career in our region.
“Today’s announcement is an important step towards giving places the power to build a skills system that works for local people and local businesses. Giving places like the West of England more control over skills provision will help align education andtraining with what firms need and create high-quality opportunities for everyone.”
