Wakefield MP Simon Lightwood welcomes Andy Burnham's plans for secondary schools
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plans to offer secondary school students technical subjects from age 14 would give young people "proper choices" says Wakefield’s MP.
Mr Burnham wants to put technical courses on an equal footing with traditional academic routes for students from Year 10.
It is proposed to link skills training with work experience and connections with employers from September 2028.
Wakefield Labour MP Simon Lightwood said: "We’ve got to get away from this idea that the only measure of success is going to university. For years, some people have looked down on vocational and technical education, and I think that’s been a real mistake.
"Not everyone wants to spend three years in a lecture theatre. Some young people want to get stuck in, learn a trade, earn a wage and build a great career. There should be absolutely nothing "second best" about that.
That’s why I really welcome the Prime Minister’s plans. It’s about giving young people proper choices and making sure apprenticeships and technical qualifications are valued just as highly as academic ones.
"Here in Wakefield and Rothwell, we’ve got brilliant manufacturers, engineers, logistics firms and growing digital businesses. They’re crying out for skilled people. It makes total sense to get schools, colleges and local employers working much more closely together so young people leave education with the skills businesses actually need.
"At the end of the day, this is about giving young people more opportunities, helping local businesses grow and making sure talent isn’t wasted just because someone doesn’t want to follow the traditional university route. That just feels like common sense to me
Mr Burnham said today (Tuesday July 28) : "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."
Following his entry to 10 Downing Street last week, Mr Burnham picked Mr Lightwood as the new joint Minister for Equalities alongside MP for Southampton Test, Satvir Kaur.
Mr Lightwood was also re-appointed as the Minister for Transport.