MBacc: A 2030 Vision

A clear line of sight to good jobs in Greater Manchester

Case for change

Greater Manchester’s dynamic economy is changing fast and we need an education system that can meet demand and bolster its growth. Currently young people aged 14 to 18 have two paths for the future, one route is from school to university, the other is through technical education into the world of work. For those going to university, the path is obvious but for those who want a technical education it’s unclear. We want all our young people in Greater Manchester to have clear and equal pathways to access the amazing opportunities here in our city-region.

Vision statement

By 2030, the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate will guarantee every young person growing up in our city-region has a clear path and line of sight to good jobs and training opportunities across the region. This will be driven by a system that values technical education as a prestigious route and connects young people to employers through seven MBacc gateways – helping them understand the skills they need and how to reach opportunities in our fastest-growing sectors.

How we will do this

First, we’ll give young people more say by involving them in shaping policies and designing the services that affect them. Secondly, we will develop a responsive, integrated system of educators, employers, parents, local authority leaders and community organisations to enable a successful journey for young people through MBacc.

Included in this will be an Inclusive Pathway, designed to ensure that all young people, including those who are in specialist settings, Pupil Referral Units &/or alternative provision get the support they need to have equal access to their future opportunities.

Opening the door to technical education opportunities

We’ll bring the Greater Manchester system together using the seven MBacc gateways. Shaped by leading local employers, these gateways give a clear view of our local economy and help young people see the path to exciting opportunities in Greater Manchester’s fastest-growing industries. Our seven gateways are:

Construction and the Green Economy

Creative, Culture and Sport

Digital and Technology

Education and Early Years

Financial, Business and Professional Services

Health and Social Care

Manufacturing and Engineering

What we’ll see by 2030 across Greater Manchester:

By 2030 we will have pioneered a regional blueprint for technical education that offers clear and equal pathways leading to good jobs. Placing the needs of every young person at the heart of this work will ensure the MBacc fosters a sense of belonging in the success story that is Greater Manchester.

Building with the energy and expertise of the system, what we will see by 2030 is:

Increased experiences of the workplace linked to employers in each gateway for all young people following an MBacc pathway. We will continue to scale T Levels, ensuring a 45-day placement for all young people who need one.
Transformation of technical education pre- and post-16 ensuring a sufficient scale of places and provision . Increasing availability of T Levels and apprenticeships in high demand occupational areas. The MBacc will be inclusive for young people with complex needs, embedding mentoring and personalised support to raise aspirations and confidence.
An MBacc offer in every Greater Manchester school, college and specialist provision embedded into the curriculum and preparing young people for choices at 14,16 and 18. Underpinned by an inspirational, enriching careers education that is informed by rich knowledge of Greater Manchester’s labour market and rooted in place and community
Services designed with young people that help them navigate their MBacc journey through the fast-changing Greater Manchester economy, including access to relevant workplace experiences. Digital services such as Beeline will be at every young person’s fingertips, providing them with real-time information on jobs.

Explore our plans for MBacc Year 2 and how you can get involved.