Giving Every Young Person the Skills They Need to Succeed

Every young person deserves the opportunity to build a successful future, whatever path they choose. For too long, technical and vocational education has been treated as a second choice, despite the vital role skilled workers play in our economy and communities.

That's why I welcome the Prime Minister's announcement of new technical education pathways, which will give young people from the age of 14 access to high-quality technical learning, work experience and stronger links with local employers. These reforms will ensure technical education is recognised alongside academic achievement, giving students genuine choice and helping them develop the skills needed for the jobs of the future.

The changes will bring together schools, colleges, employers and local leaders to create education pathways that reflect the needs of local economies. Whether it's engineering, healthcare, digital technology, manufacturing or construction, young people will be better prepared for rewarding careers while businesses gain access to the skilled workforce they need.

These reforms also respond to the challenge of youth unemployment, ensuring more young people leave education with the confidence, experience and practical skills to move into apprenticeships, further education, university or employment. By creating clear routes into good-quality jobs, we can unlock talent, strengthen our local economy and give every young person the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Whether a student chooses construction, coding, engineering, classics or any other path, every ambition deserves respect. I'm pleased to see the Government taking practical steps to ensure that every young person can access the opportunities they need to succeed, including here in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.