North East STEM Foundation welcomes apprenticeship funding but calls for long-term respect for vocational routes
The North East STEM Foundation (NESF) has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that two-thirds of young people should either go to university or study a technical qualification or apprenticeship - but warns this renewed recognition of the value of vocational and technical pathways must be matched by long-term cultural change.
The Government says the £725m funding will benefit around 50,000 young people over the next three years, with apprenticeships for under-25s at SMEs now fully funded.
The programme focuses on high-demand sectors including artificial intelligence, engineering, hospitality and digital skills, supported by short courses introduced from next spring.
During a speech today on Monday (December 8), Sir Keir Starmer said apprenticeships should be treated with the same respect as degrees and confirmed a new national ambition for young people to progress into university, further education or a so-called “gold standard apprenticeship” by the age of 25.
NESF Chair, Tania Cooper MBE, said: “This investment is welcome, but money alone doesn’t change mindsets.
"Apprenticeships must be viewed with the same value as degrees, as prestigious, high-value and career-defining choices.
"Young people deserve real, respected alternatives to university, not options that are treated as an afterthought.”
She also stressed that greater support is required for employers themselves: “We also believe this must go further in encouraging and supporting SMEs to provide more workplace apprenticeship placements.
"Creating funding is one thing, but helping young people secure real placements and job opportunities must be a key objective of any programme.”
The Government confirmed plans to double the proportion of young people taking higher technical qualifications or apprenticeships by 2040.
NESF says this shows a welcome and overdue shift in political thinking but calls for substantial long-term support for colleges and technical training, which have historically been under-funded.
She added: “A university degree is right for many, but not for all. For thousands of young people - particularly in engineering, manufacturing, construction and emerging technologies - an apprenticeship offers a stronger pathway, better career prospects and none of the significant debt associated with university.
“The North East needs a pipeline of skilled engineers and technicians. Our economy depends on it. A cultural shift is just as important as financial investment.”
The North East STEM Foundation creates hands-on, engaging opportunities for young people across the region to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics, connecting classroom learning with real careers.
Working closely with schools, universities, training centres, employers and industry leaders, it delivers events, workshops and demonstrations highlighting pathways into a diverse range of sectors, from advanced manufacturing to engineering and life sciences.