'Kids haven't got a path to city skyscrapers yet'

Mayor says new Manchester qualification will open up higher education

- DECLAN CAREY

A NEW qualification offering young people an alternative route to university without debt will be launched in Greater Manchester in September next year, the Mayor has revealed.

Andy Burnham said the Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) will be a new option for students with the opportunity to gain a degree-level education in a technical field with a path into work.

The plan is part of a new strategy aimed at reducing crime and violence among young people.

The Mayor claimed if he is reelected for another term in office, it will be his “single top priority” and that he will be “as obsessed” with integrating technical education as he is about buses.