Burnham criticises “Westminster bubble” for ignoring technical education

Andy Burnham will today criticise Westminster for ignoring technical education.

Burnham, who is in the running to be Labour’s next leader, is set to warn that education policy is stuck “inside the Wesminster bubble, where the vast majority of people went to private schools and university”. Burnham will argue that this has resulted in politicians failing to give “enough attention to quality technical education”, meaning it is a “second class” option in Britain.

In a speech to apprentices at the Arriva train maintenance centre in Crewe, Burnham will say that if he was elected leader he would look at extending the access to university-style student finance for those wishing to take the technical education route. He will also explain that he would aim to set up a UCAS-style system to help young people to find high-quality apprenticeships.

To move forward with these plans, Burnham has asked Pat Glass MP to lead a panel which would look at how to improve the application process to and the financing of technical education.

Burnham will say:

“The mission of the Labour Party I lead will be helping everybody to get on. The school system is there to do that but, at the moment, it is letting children down.  

“At school, the message to all young people will be clear: if you put in the work, and if you meet the required standard, you will gain a solid, prestigious qualification which will open up a good opportunity for you beyond the school gates.

“I want young people to be able to find out and apply for apprenticeships in exactly the same way as people apply for university. So my ambition is for national UCAS-style system for apprenticeships, raising sights, rewarding those who work hardest, giving all children hope and a goal in life.

“We need a revolution in technical education, giving it all the support and prestige that comes with the university route. And that means access to financial support too.”