Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced new bursaries and thousands of additional college places in a sweeping reform of technical education, aimed at encouraging young people into apprenticeships and vocational training.
Speaking on July 28, Burnham outlined plans to allow year 10 students to combine core academic subjects with technical education, work experience, and apprenticeships. The government also intends to overhaul Ofsted inspections, increasing recognition for schools that deliver high-quality technical education.
New financial support and college places
A new bursary of up to £4,500 per year per household is being introduced for Universal Credit families, addressing a disincentive identified by the Social Security Advisory Committee. A government spokesperson explained that single parents with a disabled child could lose up to £340 per week in benefits when a young person starts an apprenticeship, exceeding the expected average salary of £258 per week. The bursary is designed to cover this shortfall.
Additionally, £287 million in funding will create over 22,000 new places at 87 projects across the country, including eight in the North West. The funding comes from the £1 billion extra investment in the Growth and Skills Levy announced in May. From 1 August, apprenticeship training for all eligible under-25s will be fully funded.
Prime Minister's message on practical skills
In a video clip posted on X titled 'Can AI build a train?', Burnham wore a high-vis vest and used a socket wrench while arguing for the reforms. 'AI might be able to write an essay, draft a contract or make a slide deck, but it can't make a train like they do here, rewire your electrics or fix your roof,' he said. 'For decades, politicians have told young people that desk jobs were the future. But learning practical skills has never been more important.'
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: 'By providing bursaries to those who need them most and fully funding apprenticeship training, we are making sure cost is not the reason someone misses out. Coupled with up to £8,000 in financial support for employers, this is a serious investment in the next generation and in the future of our economy.'
The government stated that with over one million young people not in education, employment, or training, these measures aim to keep more young people connected to opportunity as they move into adulthood.
