Raspberry Pi to develop computer skills courses for Greater Manchester schools

A partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation to create an applied computing qualification is one of the new planks of the proposed Greater Manchester curriculum.

The so-called MBacc has been designed with employers in the city region to give them a pipeline of suitably qualified school leavers, who from this September will make choices of this route at year 9 and year 11, into seven gateways – each linked to a growing sector in Greater Manchester.

Later today (11 July 2024) Mayor Andy Burnham, with more than 200 employers and educators, will unveil his proposals for the core subjects of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate, known as the MBacc – which he describes as “a game-changing new vision for technical education and boosting productivity.”

The Greater Manchester Business Board (formerly the Local Enterprise Partnership) has supported the development of the “unique new tech certificate” with the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

They claim the Applied Computing qualification will provide pupils on the MBacc route with a tailored, accessible learning experience, setting them up with digital skills for the workplace.

Burnham said: “For too long the English education system has been built around the needs of just a third of young people who go to university. That means that every year, thousands go through school without a clear path into a good career.

“Our answer is the MBacc – a game-changing new plan for technical education. We’re using our devolved powers to reset the scales and give young people a clear line of sight to good jobs and the steps that will take them there.”

Burnham’s MBacc proposals were resisted by the previous Conservative government, but he made it one of the key planks of his 2024 manifesto, on which he was re-elected in May, and brought up his determination to drive it forward in the Mayor’s meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer this week

He described the mismatch in skills as “the biggest barrier to future growth” and warned that if his changes aren’t made now it could harm the economy and the life chances of young people in Greater Manchester.

“The needs of our economy are changing, and right now the system is not capable of keeping pace and meeting the needs of businesses or the ambitions of the next generation,” he said.

Lou Cordwell

Lou Cordwell, Chair of Greater Manchester’s Business Board, said the MBacc will play “a crucial role” in shaping a skilled workforce and made a plea to employers to offer young people technical skills and work experience opportunities.

“I urge all businesses to join the Employer Supporter Action Network and explore opportunities to engage with the MBacc. By participating, we’re not only securing our future success but also opening doors for the next generation of Greater Manchester’s workforce.”

There will also be a central application system for industrial placements, developed in partnership with the Careers & Enterprise Company, allowing young people to apply for work experience with employers across the city region – backed up by an additional 1,000 additional T Level industry placements pledged by businesses for those continuing on the technical pathway.

The ambition is to grow this offer for all young people on technical pathways, with thousands more opportunities available by 2030.