Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham addressed a gathering of business leaders in Manchester, highlighting the importance of his MBacc scheme and a new portal aimed at improving the city’s global competitiveness.
At the inauguration of the new Alvarez & Marsal office in the Lincoln building, Burnham articulated his vision for Manchester to become a pioneering example of inclusivity and opportunity in the 21st century. He stated, “Let’s make this the first city where, in helping everybody get on, we give everybody a good life. That’s what Manchester should be a beacon of in the 21st century, and that’s what we’re going to make it.”
Burnham introduced a cutting-edge digital tool named Beeline, designed to provide young people in Greater Manchester with direct access to job opportunities within the city’s burgeoning economy. This platform, now available via the Greater Manchester Apprenticeships and Careers Service (GMACS) website, is part of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), a revolutionary alternative to the traditional university pathway.
Emblematic of the industrious spirit of Greater Manchester, Beeline offers real-time data on job vacancies across sectors identified in the MBacc’s seven gateways. These gateways align with the region’s growth sectors, offering guidance on the relevant subjects, courses, and qualifications at various educational stages. By integrating with the Adzuna jobs website, Beeline provides comprehensive information on current vacancies and salary trends, enabling students to map out career paths within the technical education framework.
Jonathan Boyers of Alvarez & Marsal, while introducing Burnham, remarked on the significance of opening the office in a building named after Abraham Lincoln. He drew a parallel between Lincoln and Burnham, stating, “We’re honoured to be joined by another politician who’s done his bit to put the southerners in their place, Andy Burnham, who’s done so much for Manchester.”
Burnham’s initiatives, particularly the MBacc and Beeline, promise to enhance Manchester’s competitive edge by fostering a well-prepared and connected workforce. His vision for inclusivity and opportunity sets a strong precedent for the future.