In response to changes to the education system announced by the Prime Minister ( PM: ‘From today Britain will value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap’ - GOV.UK )

 David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:

"Too many young people have been let down by a school system that doesn’t give them the right opportunities to learn in ways that sets them up for work.

"Giving more people the option to start vocational learning earlier and lining that education up with businesses needs in our county will give more people the opportunity to stay in the county they call home.

"Whether it is our agricultural sector, the creative industries, rail innovation, or much more, more children and young people should get to learn the skills they need for the workplace earlier."

Tuesday 28 July 2026