On Thursday, we will set our plans to create an equal alternative to the university route. The #GreaterManchesterBaccalaureate or #MBacc is going to be a game-changer for young people in GM. Much better than national service!

Any chance you can get trains running on a Sunday. Drivers might want to put their feet up. Other people have to work for their living. Often doing work for the NHS or other things. Transport is vital.

Apprenticeships, properly funded and scrutinised, are vital for young people.

This 👏 - so many young people suffering under the education system, mental health in tatters, after the pandemic. There must be better routes to decent study or careers without getting in debt on student loans to £60k?

Great initiative Andy

Why not the International Baccalaureate? Admittedly it’s not degree level but it teaches 15 to 19 years olds how to think through philosophy and I’ve read that some UK universities (Oxford & Cambridge incl.) would take students with the IB over 3 A levels and the D of E award…

I thought the point was to get a job? Have a career. Whichever way it takes to get there. Not sure there’s only 2 ways and I don’t like this video as it makes the second route sound like a route for people not smart enough to go to uni (which btw unis are letting in anyone).

Surely this pigeon holes kids at 14 to a non academic technical pathway forever? Why not do GCSEs and keep options open? Will an MBacc provide qualification to an a level?

The Polytechnics that Blair disparaged.

@AndyBurnhamGM I hope you have some national policy persuasion too. E.g. private health in the NHS, 2 child benefit cap, breaking the "Fiscal rules" or as most people know it austerity. Labour have a chance to be progressive certainly more so than the pathetically weak manifesto.