SEPTEMBER 2026 | VOLUME 64 | ISSUE 7


Backing for Burnham’s plan to boost technical education


The Prime Minister’s ambition to open up more technical education pathways for young people and place technical and academic routes on an equal footing has been broadly welcomed by employers and colleges.


As part of a strategy to address skills shortages and reduce the number of people not in education, employment or training, Andy Burnham has pledged to place greater emphasis on vocational education routes and apprenticeships. In a well- publicised announcement at the end of July, he said that Britain needed to value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap – a distinct shift from previous administrations that have encouraged increasing numbers of students to go to university. The government has said the proposed pathways would give pupils access to vocational training, work experience and employers from the age of 14, with regional mayors, schools, colleges and employers handed more responsibility to shape local technical education routes. It is hoped that pupils in Year 10 would be able to combine English, maths and science with technical education linked to jobs in their area, giving young people the


opportunity to gain real-world experience and benefit from meaningful exposure to potential careers from an earlier age. According to the government,


schools will be given clear incentives and support to expand high-quality technical pathways, rather than treating technical education as an optional add-on or a less valued alternative to academic study. The way school performance is measured will also change, with inspectors placing more emphasis on how education establishments are meeting the needs of local employers. Specialist further education


college Leeds College of Building has welcomed the announcement as an endorsement of its employer-led approach. Through apprenticeships, full-time study, higher technical qualifications and adult skills programmes, the college says it has long worked in partnership with employers to design technical education around


real labour market demand. “This announcement sends a


powerful message that technical education is fundamental to the UK’s future prosperity,” says Nikki Davis, principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building. “Placing technical and academic pathways on an equal footing recognises the vital role that specialist education plays in supporting economic growth, improving social mobility and developing the skilled workforce our country needs.”


Playing a part Speaking on behalf of shower manufacturer Kohler Mira, senior channel manager Megan Cox-Chanin is equally positive about the proposed changes, but has emphasised the need for employers and manufacturers to engage with schools to provide the required work experience: “For too long, many young


people have been unaware of the rewarding careers available in


skilled trades such as plumbing and installation. However, inspiring the next generation is only half the challenge. To turn interest into opportunity, businesses, manufacturers and employers must play their part by providing meaningful work experience, apprenticeships and clear pathways into the industry – and government must provide support to make this practically and financially viable. If we want more young people to choose a career in the trades and to support the industry itself with a talent pipeline, both elements need to be there.”


The British Chambers of Commerce agrees that positive changes are possible when all parts of the system work well together – employers, educators and local authorities. Director of policy Kate Showsmith says: “A more collaborative system


which embeds businesses and labour market intelligence in schools from an early age is needed to permanently shift the dial. Giving Ofsted responsibility to assess how well schools prepare children for work is also a much- needed step. “For a long time now, we’ve


argued that this is exactly the type of business-government partnership required. Together we can guide young people successfully


into work and


support the growth our economy desperately needs.” The government has also


reiterated its ambition to deliver 50,000 more youth apprenticeships, to reverse a 40% decline over the past decade.


Inside this issue phamnews.co.uk


Gadgets & Tools See page 12


Talent Show See page 13


Training Update See page 14


Energy Matters See page 18


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