Andy Burnham is determined to address the crisis affecting unemployed young individuals, aiming to decrease the numbers during his tenure. He emphasized that the current predicament, which has resulted in over a million 16-24-year-olds classified as not in education, employment, or training (Neets), should not be attributed to the young people themselves.

A recent report by former Cabinet minister Alan Milburn highlighted the potential £125 billion cost to Britain if action is not taken to mitigate the issue. Burnham has identified resolving this crisis as a top priority early in his term. While visiting Derby, he expressed his commitment to reversing the rising trend of Neets, stressing the urgency of the situation.

The focus on youth unemployment coincides with Burnham’s initiative to introduce technical education to students as young as 14. This approach aims to elevate vocational skills to the same level as academic education, allowing students to blend academic subjects with practical job-related training from Year 10 onwards.

Local leaders, regional mayors, and schools will collaborate to shape this educational scheme tailored to the specific needs of their communities. Building on his successful Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) program, Burnham seeks to provide students with valuable work experience opportunities while promoting technical education equality alongside traditional academic paths.

Burnham criticized the current education system for predominantly emphasizing university routes, which can marginalize certain young individuals. He advocates for a balanced approach that values both academic and technical education, citing successful models in countries like Germany and the Netherlands that have lower rates of youth disengagement from education.

The forthcoming recommendations from the Milburn review are expected to address factors such as evolving job markets, inequality, and health challenges contributing to the rise in Neets. Additionally, Burnham intends to review the escalating welfare expenditure, proposing conditional support tied to pursuing available opportunities to reduce dependency on benefits.