Burnham's technical education plans build on UTC legacy

Policy Skills & Employment
Burnham's technical education plans build on UTC legacy
Published July 29, 2026
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has announced ambitious plans to elevate technical education to equal status with academic routes in England. The proposals, which have garnered enthusiasm from former Conservative education secretary Kenneth Baker, would see schools adapting their curriculum to meet the specific needs of local employers and economies. The initiative builds upon the foundation laid by University Technical Colleges (UTCs) established during the coalition government, representing a significant shift towards vocational pathways. Baker has indicated his intention to persuade the Conservative party to support the plans, suggesting a potential consensus across political divides on the future of technical education and skills development.
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