Mayor propses specific 'Mbacc' qualification for school leavers
The 'Manchester Baccalaureate' would be an alternative for those who don't want to go to university
Last updated 17th May 2023
The Mayor of Greater Manchester is pushing ahead with proposals for a new qualification to help students across the region who don't want to study at University.
Andy Burham has introduced plans to establish a new pathway for young people during their GCSE choices who want to focus technical careers.
The proposal involves the creation of a Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) for technical education, which would sit alongside the existing English Baccalaureate (EBacc) for those pursuing university education.
It's hoped the MBacc will direct young people on the technical route towards seven different career gateways at age 16 such Manufacturing and Engineering, Financial and Professional, Digital and Technology, Health and Social Care, Creative, Culture and Sport, Education and Early Years, and Construction and Green Economy.
The new plans include collaboration with employers in the city region to match the skills needed in Greater Manchester's economy.
It's also hoped the initiative will create more workplace experiences, curriculum enrichment, and opportunities that support soft skills development and entry into the world of work.
"For too long we have ignored the value of technical skills."
Andy Burnham said:
"For too long we have ignored the value of technical skills and that ends today in Greater Manchester.
"We want to create equivalent opportunities for our young people in Greater Manchester and ensure they are provided with the tools to achieve their career aspirations, with the idea of an MBacc, developing our GMACS offer and through partnership working with employers.
“The EBacc is great for young people who want to go onto university, but there is no equivalent suite of qualifications at 14 and 16 that align with the real-life employment opportunities being created in our city region.
"There is also no direct link to employers, leading to skills gaps in the Greater Manchester economy and confusion from young people on what they need to do to secure a job in their chosen industry. Today is the start of the journey of creating a clear and equal pathway for technical education.”