Back in 2017, the Conservative Party pledged to introduce a “Ucas-style portal for technical education” for young people taking technical and vocational routes. But this has yet to come to anything.

As it stands, potential apprentices have to apply to each company individually, as they would with other job vacancies. A “Ucas-style” system could potentially allow applicants to send a single application to five employers in one go.

Sounds like a good idea, right? It seems like it would make the process a lot easier for wannabe apprentices, and encourage others to consider applying for an apprenticeship, right?

Well, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, certainly thinks so. He’s revealed that a system just like this one will be available in Greater Manchester from the autumn. The government, however, recently made it clear that it is a long way off developing anything national to compare.

Burnham last week said that the aim of the Greater Manchester Careers Application Platform was to “make it simple” for young people and their parents to choose between an academic or technical pathway as part of his Future of Greater Manchester strategy.

To begin with, the platform will be available for 16- to 18-year-olds to apply for apprenticeships and courses offering technical qualifications. If the initiative is a success, it could be expanded to those 18 or older.

The scheme will also offer work-shadowing placements, and all adverts will be quality-assured before they’re posted by staff at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

And the mayor hasn’t stopped there. He’s also introducing free bus travel for 16- to 18-year-olds to ensure that they can access college, apprenticeships or leisure activities.

In his speech, he said that the “Opportunity Pass” would ensure that life horizons are not limited by financial barriers.

Back in central government, the Tories have also pushed back plans to introduce discounted travel for apprentices.

Hmm. Train to Manchester, anyone?