UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says secondary school pupils will be exposed to subjects such as manufacturing and artificial intelligence in addition to core academic learning.

Mr Burnham, who stated this on Tuesday, noted that the courses would be available from Year 10, adding that they would be linked to local industries designed to give children a clearer pathway into work.

“We’ve had a system built for too long around the university route, and it sends a message to some young people that they’re some kind of second-class citizens, and it’s just not right.

“They need an education system that works for them as well, that offers a path to all young people, that’s balanced between academic and technical,” the PM stated.

The PM further expressed his determination to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training.

“The trend is rising at the moment, so the first thing I’ve got to do is to stop that rise. It’s hard to put a firm date on the moment when you can say there are fewer than now,” he added.

Under these proposed reforms, pupils would continue to study core maths, English and science but would also have the option of combining the subjects with technical education.

According to Mr Burnham, the proposals will also offer them the opportunity to gain work experience and create connections with local employers.

“I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life. From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap,” he added.

Commenting on the reforms, Education Secretary Lucy Powell said every young person should be able to see a route to success, whatever their talents or ambitions. 

“By offering high-quality technical and vocational education alongside academic achievement, we’ll give more young people the chance to leave education with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy and the careers of the future.

“That’s why today is so important. It marks the start of a real shared effort with employers, businesses, mayors and councils to design an education system that connects young people to jobs and careers in their local area,” she noted.

The announcement came amid a series of policies in the UK designed to offer a vocational route in education as a counterbalance to high numbers of young people going to university.