Mayor of Middlesbrough speaks out

The Mayor of Middlesbrough has spoken out against the lack of young people opting for vocational training, claiming that too many are now choosing degrees that often do not lead to full-time work

The Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon, has spoken out against the lack of young people opting for vocational training, claiming that too many are now choosing degrees that often do not lead to full-time employment.

Speaking at a special breakfast briefing hosted by the Tees Valley Engineering Partnership (TVEP), Mayor Mallon praised the Tees Valley's industrial heritage and addressed the guests on the importance of encouraging more young people to consider modern apprenticeships and similar training programmes.

He said: "I saw in a recent television report that more young people are now opting for courses in media studies than there are studying mathematics and other engineering-related subjects".

"It is important that we get a good balance between the number of young people who are going on to study A Levels and university degrees in these popular subjects like media and law, with those that are opting for modern apprenticeships".

"I am going to do everything in my power to show the educationalists and everybody else involved that it is not just about five GCSES at grades A to C, but it's about the wider area of education - the plumbers, joiners, engineers and technicians - right across the board".

"It is those tradesmen and women that we all need on a daily basis and it is those people that will take us all the way".

Mayor Mallon's speech was part of the TVEP's engineering-themed breakfast briefing, which was attended by more than 70 managers, directors and employees from some of the region's most influential engineering organisations and training providers.

During the 90-minute event, which was held at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, guests were also addressed by Malcolm Potter, Manager of the Tees Valley Engineering Partnership, who explained how the TVEP's existing members were working together to develop a long term strategy that will benefit and add value to, the local engineering sector.

He said: "The TVEP is working hard to address the issues raised by Mayor Mallon and whole-heartedly share the view that young people should know more about the options that are available to them after leaving school".

"The purpose of the breakfast briefing was to emphasise to business leaders and the engineering sector as a whole, that they now have an opportunity to become more involved in the local strategic decision making process".

"Their contribution will ensure steps are taken to help sustain the sector within the Tees Valley and ensure it remains world class over the next 10 years.".

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