14 new technical education routes to be offered in England.

Technical education reform plans build on local initiatives such as the MBacc or Greater Manchester Baccalaureate, which was announced in 2023 when the now Prime Minister was mayor of the city.

In the year Launched in September 2024, it provides a framework for students to choose GCSE subjects in both academic and technical subjects relevant to local industries such as green energy or digital.

The government has announced that it will work with regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers to deliver the plans nationwide.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the announcement “marks the start of a real collaborative effort with employers, businesses, mayors and councils to design an education system that connects young people with jobs and careers in their local areas”.

“The technological revolution we are living in means that young people will be the new bloodline that our economy needs to adapt and grow,” she said.

“I want to make sure this generation can take advantage of that opportunity, regardless of background or zip code.”

Milburn said the change announced for England on Tuesday was “very welcome”.

“They are a big step in the right direction and are consistent with the findings of my review,” he said.

“A whole system reset is needed in health, safety and labor market policy, as well as in education and skills.

“I know the Prime Minister understands this and my final report will outline the further changes that are necessary.”

But Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, said the announcements “will come nowhere to undo the damage Labor has done to the labor market”.

“We all want better opportunities and technical education for young people, but this ad is everywhere…

“It is not clear whether Labor intends to replace GCSEs, which would be a risk.

“The focus should be on a knowledge-rich curriculum that will help the most disadvantaged children.”

Association of School and College Leaders general secretary Pepe D’Iasio said he was pleased the government was treating the “shocking” number of nets as an “urgent priority”.

The union said it supported the aim, but said there was “little detail” on what the education reform plan would look like in practice.

He added that it was “wrong” to make major education policy announcements in the middle of the school summer holidays.

According to Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Teachers (NAHT), school leaders “support the principle of giving technical and vocational education the same status and recognition as traditional academic streams”.

“However, this announcement sets a direction of travel rather than detailed proposals. Schools need clarity on what it means in practice and beyond money,” he added.