Summary
The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has set a new goal for two-thirds of people under 25 to go to university or pursue technical skills training after school. This update shifts the focus from purely academic university education to include technical qualifications and apprenticeships. The target aims to have at least 10% of young people take higher technical courses or apprenticeships by 2040.
Key Facts
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new target for young people to attend university or study technical skills by age 25.
- The announcement was made at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool.
- The previous goal was set in 1999 by Tony Blair to have 50% of young people attend university.
- The new target includes both degree-level apprenticeships and technical qualifications below a university degree.
- The government aims to have at least 10% of young people in higher technical courses or apprenticeships by 2040.
- Technical skills training is now emphasized as important as traditional university education.
- Colleges offering technical education have been underfunded compared to schools and universities.
- The demand for university places in England remains high, with 37% of 18-year-olds entering university in 2024.
