Andy Burnham sets out plans for supporting young people into jobs with key growth sectors

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has unveiled the subjects to be included in the Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) of GCSEs aimed to prepare young people for further technical education.

More than 200 hundred education and business leaders joined the Mayor at Manchester Hall to share progress on the MBacc, which is due to be launched for the first students in September. Greater Manchester has worked with education and business leaders as well as young people to design seven MBacc gateways – each linked to a sector that is growing in Greater Manchester. 

Participating students will study core MBacc subjects of English Language and Literature, Maths, Sciences and ICT as well as optional subjects taken from a choice of Engineering, Design & Technology, Business Studies, Drama, Music and Performing Arts. Options are aligned to key growth sectors in the local economy:

• 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 

Plans are also being worked on for an eighth strand to support entry into public service roles, such as emergency services and transportation. Gateways draw on the latest labour market data and provide a clear line of sight to high quality jobs in Greater Manchester’s growing economy, and will serve as an alternative to the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) that focuses on subjects valued by top universities.

Each gateway will also include real-world experience of the workplace from day one of the MBacc, with students expected to complete 50 hours of workplace experience between Years 9 and 11. 

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: 

“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. 

“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.” 

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester Lead for Technical Education and Skills, said:

“The Greater Manchester Baccalaureate can be the key that unlocks economic growth and unleashes the potential of the next generation. If two thirds of young people here don’t go to university, we need a clear, serious alternative that matches their ambitions and sets them up to succeed. 

“With a growing economy – including in key sectors like digital and tech – Greater Manchester is moving to secure a pipeline of talent, aligning the MBacc to the needs of these sectors and helping young people chart a course to good jobs across our city-region.” 

Lou Cordwell, Chair of Greater Manchester’s Business Board, said: 

“The MBacc plays a crucial role in our city region by shaping a skilled workforce that will support our future growth.   

“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.”