Manifesto: Bev Craig’s Plan For Young People

Bev Craig talks to students about the expansion of Our Pass

What Is Bev Craig's Plan For Young People?

I want to give every young person the best start in life from those first days right through until that first day at work. From baby boxes that give families the essentials and cut the costs in those first weeks to books to help children get ready for school to youth centres in every town to a clear pathway into education, training, an apprenticeship or employment. That’s what we mean by a Greater Manchester Youth Promise that leaves no young person behind. Greater Manchester has worked hard to support young people and we know their wellbeing and optimism for the future is rising — but too many still face barriers that hold back their talent and ambition. On day one I will write to the Prime Minister to ask for more devolved powers so Greater Manchester becomes the first city region with a fully devolved skills system to cut youth unemployment and Get Greater Manchester working.

Read the full manifesto

What Is Bev Craig’s Plan For Young People?

The Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) giving an equal pathway for those not going to university: call for Greater Manchester to be the first place to pilot a new system that gives young people to support they need to thrive.

The best start in life: joining things up across our council areas and intervene where we need to. Baby Boxes for families with new babies, with books, toys and essentials like baby milk and changing kit, so no child goes without in this critical window. Give more books to every child when they turn five, and support the roll out of Family Hubs across Greater Manchester.

A school system that works: our system is too fragmented. A Greater Manchester Family of Schools will bring schools together to improve this. Skills for Life will be rolled out and young people will benefit from a proper Greater Manchester wide careers service.

Rebuild a Youth Service for young people: every town should have youth centres, and each centre should work with youth services and universities on new training courses for the next generation of youth workers.

A clear plan from 16: every 16–24 year old should have a clear pathway into education, training, an apprenticeship or employment with extra support for groups like care leavers and activities aligned to key moments like the end of the academic year. A joined up support system that means there is no wrong door.

A work placement for every young person by age 18, requiring every public-sector body offer school-leaver placements and expanding this with private-sector partners.

A new approach to apprenticeships: call on the Government to give us the power to design industry appropriate apprenticeships, co-designed with businesses.

Create a Gen-Z Commission to give 18-to-27 year olds a direct voice, developing a strategy covering housing, work, transport, culture, wellbeing and participation.