New technical education routes to be offered at 14 in England

New technical education routes to be offered at 14 in EnglandImage source, Getty ImagesByNathan StandleyEducation reporterPublished21 minutes agoCommentsPupils will be able to study subjects like manufacturing and AI alongside core academic learning from age 14 under new government plans for education in England.The government said the courses available from Year 10 would be linked to local jobs and industries.The announcement comes after data published earlier this year showed more than one million young people across the UK were not in education, employment or training, or "Neet" - the highest level in more than 12 years.School leaders' unions welcomed the government's ambition to improve technical education, but called for greater clarity on how and when the changes would be implemented, and how they would be paid for.Prime Minister Andy Burnham said "for too long" students had been told to take academic subjects to "do well and be respected"."My message to young people is this - whether you choose construction, coding or classics, or maths, manufacturing or mechanics, you'll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve," he said.He said the government was delivering the "major shake-up" required to fix the youth unemployment crisis in Britain, starting with improving the availability and quality of technical education.This would provide students with skills training, work experience and connections with employers, the government said.It said students would have the chance to combine core academic subjects such as English and maths with a high-quality technical education linked to the jobs available in their area. "They will be able to spend time with employers and gain real-world experience," it said.The BBC understands that the government expects the new pathways into work to be up and running in some areas by 2028.The changes announced on Tuesday will only impact England...