Greater Manchester Mayor optimistic about the Manchester Baccalaureate

Wednesday, 24 April 2024 16:48

By Charlotte Martin

Andy Burnham spoke to apprentices at Auto Trader on Friday about his plans for the Manchester baccalaureate that will launch in September.

The qualification will be a much more technical option taken in high school, allowing the opportunity to go into apprenticeships instead of University; it will run alongside the current English baccalaureate.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham said, “Imagine a Year 11 in Greater Manchester can go on a portal, GMAX, Greater Manchester Apprenticeships and careers service and can see all of the T-Levels and the company placements linked to them.

“At 16, you would be applying straight to Auto Trader or the BBC or whoever else we can get work placements from, that really raises people's aspiration and gives people a path to those companies who perhaps can't see it.”

Over 60 businesses have announced their support for the MBacc qualification, Auto Trader being one of them.

Chief People and Operations Officer at Auto Trader, Alison Ross MBE, said, "We think the MBacc is an absolutely great idea.

“Auto Trader is a Tech company based in the centre of Manchester, and we have about 800 people, 300 of them are engineers, but it's very difficult to recruit good engineers.

“Young people in the region just don’t understand the really high-quality jobs there are in the tech sector just a tram ride away so we want to support the MBacc.”

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Greater Manchester

Tribute paid to Oldham man who died after three vehicle collision in Royton

A man who died following a collision involving three vehicles in Royton has been named as Michael Margetson from Oldham. His wife has paid tribute to him and asked for privacy for the family.
Green MP Hannah Spencer delivers maiden speech in Parliament during International Women’s Day debate

Green Party MP Hannah Spencer has delivered her first speech in the House of Commons, reflecting on her journey from training as a plumber to representing her community in Parliament.
Oldham manufacturer accelerates shift to automated production with regional support

An Oldham manufacturer is expanding its use of robotics and digital systems as part of a major transformation aimed at boosting productivity and opening new markets.
Greater Manchester businesses invited to join June trade mission to Shenzhen and Hong Kong

Businesses across Greater Manchester are being invited to join an official trade mission to Shenzhen and Hong Kong this summer aimed at building new international partnerships.
Bernard Manning’s World Famous Embassy Club set to be demolished for health centre

The World Famous Embassy Club in Harpurhey is set to close down this month and be demolished, Manchester council says.
Civil war erupts as Labour activists in Gorton and Denton say party is ‘not willing to change’

Civil war has erupted within Labour as activists in Gorton and Denton accused the party of ‘not being willing to change’ during its by-election campaign. It comes as Labour suffered a bruising defeat in the race which saw it lose the seat to the Green Party despite having a 13,000-vote majority in the 2024 general election.
Greater Manchester Police prepare for Brit Awards debut in Manchester

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed a comprehensive policing operation is in place as the Brit Awards take place in Manchester for the first time. The ceremony will be held tonight at the Co Op Live arena.
Social care worker honoured after saving life of injured police officer

A deputy team manager from a Rochdale-based care organisation has been commended for saving the life of a police officer who was seriously injured while on duty.