"For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected," Burnham said.
"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, the government will introduce new technical education pathways from age 14, combining core academic subjects with skills, technical knowledge, and experience needed for quality, well-paid jobs.
Burnham highlighted the role of local leadership in shaping the curriculum, stating that the new routes will not be designed by Westminster but by local mayors, employers, and schools to identify industries driving growth in local areas.
Concerns Over Funding and Implementation
Teaching unions and political opponents raised immediate concerns regarding funding, capacity, and policy clarity.
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Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, warned that the policy requires substantial financial backing.
"Andy Burnham's first announcement should have been that he will end austerity in education," Kebede said.
"These proposed changes to technical education are welcome, but they will hit the skids unless there is sufficient investment in schools."
Kebede argued that current expectations placed on educational institutions are unfeasible, questioning where teachers, lecturers, and physical infrastructure will come from without proper funding.
