A new technical education qualification is being revealed by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, with the intention to “turbocharge growth” in the region.
The Greater Manchester Baccalaureate, or MBacc, will have technical skills “hard-wired” into it, through a partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
So what is it?
It’s Andy Burnham’s vision to create a “genuine and equal alternative to the university route.” Since first being raised a year ago, Greater Manchester has worked with education and business leaders as well as young people to design 7 MBacc gateways – each linked to a sector that is growing in the area.
These gateways are aligned to the 7 growth sectors in the region:
Health and Social Care
Digital and Technology
Engineering and Manufacturing
Construction and the Green Economy
Financial and Professional
Education and Early Years
Creative, Culture and Sport
There will also be clear MBacc pathways for those who want careers in the emergency services or the Bee Network.
“For too long the English education system has been built around the needs of just a third of young people who go to university. That means that every year, thousands go through school without a clear path into a good career,” said Burnham.
“Our answer is the MBacc – a game-changing new plan for technical education. We’re using our devolved powers to reset the scales and give young people a clear line of sight to good jobs and the steps that will take them there.
“If we don’t make this change now, it could be the single biggest barrier to future growth – and to the life chances of young people here. The needs of our economy are changing, and right now the system is not capable of keeping pace and meeting the needs of businesses or the ambitions of the next generation.”
Students on the course will be expected to complete 50 hours of workplace experience between Years 9 and 11. This will come through a central application system for industrial placements, developed in partnership with the Careers & Enterprise Company and backed up by an additional 1,000 additional T Level industry placements pledged by businesses for those continuing on the technical pathway. The ambition is to grow this offer for all young people on technical pathways, with thousands more opportunities available by 2030.
The Greater Manchester Business Board has also supported the development of a unique new tech certificate with the Raspberry Pi Foundation. The Applied Computing qualification will provide pupils on the MBacc route with a tailored, accessible learning experience, setting them up with digital skills for the workplace.
“The MBacc plays a crucial role in our city region by shaping a skilled workforce that will support our future growth,” said Lou Cordwell, Chair of Greater Manchester’s Business Board.
“We will work closely and collaboratively with the business community in Greater Manchester to offer young people technical skills and work experience tailored to labour market needs. The MBacc not only helps our businesses to succeed but also gives young people a clear path to rewarding careers in our industries.
“I urge all businesses to join the Employer Supporter Action Network and explore opportunities to engage with the MBacc. By participating, we’re not only securing our future success but also opening doors for the next generation of Greater Manchester’s workforce.”
