Andy Burnham has expressed his determination to address the crisis affecting unemployed young individuals, vowing to reduce the numbers during his tenure. The Prime Minister emphasized that young people facing challenges in finding employment or education are not at fault, with over a million 16-24-year-olds categorized as not in education, employment, or training (Neets).
A report by former Cabinet minister Alan Milburn earlier this year highlighted the potential £125 billion cost to Britain if action is not taken to address the issue. Burnham has emphasized that tackling this crisis is a top priority in his initial days in office. While visiting Derby, he stated the need to halt the current rise in numbers of Neets, acknowledging the urgency to reverse the trend.
The Prime Minister committed to reducing the count of young people not engaged in education, employment, or training during his term, although specifying an exact timeline proved challenging. Burnham also unveiled plans to promote technical education for students as young as 14, aiming to elevate practical skills to the same level as academic education.
Under the proposed education system overhaul, students from Year 10 onwards will have the opportunity to blend academic subjects with technical education relevant to local job opportunities. The involvement of regional mayors, local leaders, and schools in designing the program is crucial, as they possess insight into their respective areas.
Burnham aims to expand on his educational initiative, the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), which focuses on equalizing technical education with traditional academic pathways and includes substantial work experience opportunities for students. The shift in emphasis from a predominantly university-centered system to one that values both academic and technical education is a key aspect of his vision for education reform.
The review led by Milburn, set to provide recommendations in the upcoming months, attributed the rise in Neets to factors such as shifts in the job market, inequality, and health issues, along with a lack of emphasis on employable skills and non-academic qualifications. Additionally, Burnham signaled his intention to address the escalating welfare expenditure, proposing changes to the nature of support provided, potentially linking benefits to the uptake of available opportunities.
