England will offer new technical education routes for students starting at age 14. The plan wants pupils to study subjects like artificial intelligence and manufacturing.

These subjects connect to jobs in their local areas. Andy Burnham will tell schools across England to adapt their curriculums.

The goal is to meet the needs of local businesses. The Prime Minister hopes the plan will make technical skills as valued as academic qualifications.

The government also hopes the plan will help cut the benefits bill. The changes are part of a wider plan to shift power to local leaders.

Officials say the plan aims to tackle a jobs crisis facing young people. The reforms follow data showing more than one million young people across the UK are Neet.

That means they are not in education, jobs or training. This is the highest such figure in over 12 years.

School leaders' unions have welcomed the ambition. But unions want more clarity on timing and funding.

Ofsted inspections will also change under the plan. The change would recognize schools that offer strong technical education.