Focus on Apprenticeships 

The existing target of getting 50% of England’s young people into university has been reviewed, having been set by the Blair Government more than 20 years ago. Starmer’s replaced it with a target of two thirds of young people going to university or ‘gold standard apprenticeships.’  He also announced 14 new technical excellence colleges, focused on the high-growth sectors of the Industrial Strategy.

Make UK CEO Stephen Phipson responded to the announcement, saying:

“For far too long quality apprenticeships have been undervalued and not as comparable in esteem to a degree. Industry will give a strong welcome to the Prime Minister’s emphasis on their importance, the advanced skill levels they involve and the fact we now have a target of equal value to university that we have long advocated for.”