Tristram Hunt MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, responding to Michael Gove’s speech, said:

“After 4 years of downgrading vocational education, Michael Gove is now desperately trying to play catch up. His and David Cameron’s ambivalence towards vocational education shows a shocking complacency about the challenges we face as a country, with the number of 16 to 18 year olds in education or training falling by 19,200 in the last year.

"Now instead of a few warm words, Michael Gove should back Labour’s plan for the forgotten 50% of young people, with new specialist Institutes of Technical Education, a rigorous route to a Technical Baccalaureate with accredited vocational qualifications, more high quality apprenticeships, skills and careers advice.”

ENDS 

Editor’s notes:

Labour has today published the third and final report from its independent Skills Taskforce on 14 -19 education. Read the report here: http://www.yourbritain.org.uk/uploads/editor/files/Skills_Taskforce_3rd_report.pdf