The North East STEM Foundation (NESF) has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that two-thirds of young people should either go to university or study a technical qualification or apprenticeship – but warns that this recognition of vocational and technical routes must be backed by lasting cultural change.

The Government says the £725 million funding package will benefit around 50,000 young people over the next three years, with apprenticeships for under-25s at SMEs now fully funded. The programme will focus on high-demand sectors including artificial intelligence, engineering, hospitality, and digital skills, with new short courses launching next spring.

During a speech on Monday, 8th December, Sir Keir Starmer said apprenticeships should be treated with the same respect as degrees, and outlined a new national ambition for all young people to progress into university, further education or a so-called “gold standard apprenticeship” by the age of 25.

NESF Chair, Tania Cooper MBE, said:

“This investment is welcome, but money alone doesn’t change mindsets. Apprenticeships must be viewed with the same value as degrees – as prestigious, high-value and career-defining choices. Young people deserve real, respected alternatives to university, not options that are treated as an afterthought.

“We also believe this must go further in encouraging and supporting SMEs to provide more workplace apprenticeship placements. Creating funding is one thing, but helping young people secure real placements and job opportunities must be a key objective of any programme.”

The Government has confirmed plans to double the number of young people taking higher technical qualifications or apprenticeships by 2040. NESF says this represents a welcome and overdue shift in political thinking, but warns it must be matched by substantial long-term support for colleges and technical training, which have long been underfunded.

Tania Cooper MBE added:

“A university degree is right for many, but not for all. For thousands of young people – particularly in engineering, manufacturing, construction and emerging technologies – an apprenticeship offers a stronger pathway, better career prospects, and none of the significant debt associated with university.

“The North East needs a pipeline of skilled engineers and technicians. Our economy depends on it. A cultural shift is just as important as financial investment.”

The North East STEM Foundation creates hands-on, engaging opportunities for young people across the region to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics – connecting classroom learning with real careers. Working closely with schools, universities, training centres, employers and industry leaders, it delivers events, workshops and demonstrations that highlight pathways into diverse sectors, from advanced manufacturing to engineering and life sciences.