Young people to be offered incredible work experience opportunity with Andy Burnham at No10 North

Manchester’s No10 North is to offer work experience to 14-16-year-olds this academic year

Andy Burnham’s northern office in the Manchester is set to offer placements for 14-to-16-year-old students as part of a new national drive to give young people more exposure to the workplace.

The placements will give pupils the opportunity to see behind the scenes of government, experience the world of work and learn about careers available to them, according to the Department for Education.

No10 North, which is based at Heron House in Manchester city centre, is being used by the Prime Minister as part of plans to move political and economic decision-making away from London.

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The work experience scheme will form part of a wider National Mission on Work Experience, with the Government calling on employers on Wednesday (September 23) to create an additional 200,000 placements for young people aged between 14 and 16.

Mayors and local authorities will work with schools and businesses to help create links and increase the number of opportunities available, the Government said.

The Government said placements could give young people experience in sectors including accountancy, digital media and construction. Employers will be encouraged to offer placements through their local Careers Hub.

The announcement comes as the Government sets out plans to overhaul technical and vocational education, including the introduction of new Vocational GCSEs.

Ministers say the reforms are intended to give young people a clearer route from education into employment, with students able to gain technical skills and workplace experience alongside traditional academic subjects.

The Government says the new approach is intended to tackle the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “We’ve all heard someone say ‘school wasn’t really for me’ because they were not given the chance to study vocational courses as well as traditional subjects.

“That one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working, so we’re building an education system that values both academic and technical paths.

“I want to give all young people across Britain the hope that their future will be brighter – whether it starts at university or not.”

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said: “Young people today are entering a world of work full of exciting opportunities. We need to prepare them for it. Time and again young people, parents and employers tell me they want schools to do more to help them understand and prepare for the jobs of the future.

“That is why we are transforming technical education and ensuring every young person can access the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive in a changing world.

“Our new Vocational GCSEs will give young people a stronger connection to the careers and industries shaping our economy, helping them discover and develop their talents while maintaining high standards across our education system.

“This is not about creating different routes for different children. It is about ensuring every child has access to a rich and ambitious education that opens doors, creates opportunity and prepares them for life beyond the classroom.”