Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has called for a significant overhaul of the UK education system to better align school curricula with local employment needs and address the rising youth unemployment and skills gaps. Speaking on July 27, Burnham emphasized the need to elevate technical qualifications to the same status as academic achievements, stating that the country should value "the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap."

The proposal comes against the backdrop of a growing youth employment crisis, with around one million young people aged 14 to 24 currently classified as not in education, employment, or training (NEET). A recent report led by former Labour minister Alan Milburn highlighted this trend, citing a variety of causes such as shifts in the labor market, inequality, health challenges, and a perceived lack of emphasis on employability and technical skills in schools. Milburn noted that while schools effectively assess students’ academic abilities, employers frequently report that many young people lack practical work readiness.

Burnham’s initiative aims to address these issues by devolving greater control over the curriculum for students aged 14 and above, allowing for more technical and work-based learning tailored to local economic sectors. This approach mirrors the Greater Manchester baccalaureate (MBacc), a flagship program introduced by Burnham in September 2024. The MBacc integrates academic subjects with vocational training and work experience opportunities in industries such as financial services, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and the green economy, as well as public services including health, social care, education, and transport.

While it remains too early to fully assess the effectiveness of the MBacc—initially piloted in only ten schools—there is growing interest among other regional mayors in England to gain similar powers to adapt curricula to their local employment landscapes. However, some local leaders express frustration with the Department for Education’s reluctance to devolve authority outside central government.

Burnham also highlighted concerns about the current benefits system, suggesting it often fails young people by providing support that does not adequately help them secure employment or training. He rejected the idea that benefit recipients are primarily at fault, instead criticizing the education system for historically prioritizing university pathways over technical routes, which has left many young individuals without viable alternatives or adequate support.

Milburn welcomed Burnham’s plans as consistent with his review’s findings and described them as a “big step in the right direction.” Efforts to integrate education reform with broader welfare system changes are also underway, informed by Milburn’s report and a separate review of the personal independence payment system led by Minister for Social Security Stephen Timms.

Together, these initiatives represent a coordinated attempt to better equip young people for the workforce by providing clearer, more practical routes into employment and reducing the number of NEETs across the UK.