The government has launched a "technical baccalaureate" designed to represent a "mark of achievement" for school-leavers to show employers.
Announced by education secretary Michael Gove and skills minister Matthew Hancock, the qualification is aimed at school leavers who are seeking jobs in IT, as well as digital media, construction, retail and hospitality.
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Three elements will be required to put together a Tech Bacc package - namely qualifications in maths, literacy and a "high quality" result in a specific vocational area.
"We want an education system in which everyone can reach their potential," said Hancock.
"Our reforms to post-16 qualifications, including the introduction of the new Tech Bacc, will do that. They will incentivise the development of high-quality courses and incentivise schools and colleges to offer the courses that get young people on in life.
"We expect all bright students who want to go into technically-skilled jobs or apprenticeships to aim for the Tech Bacc."
However, Labour education spokesman Stephen Twigg complained that the coalition government has only got around to the Tech Bacc "seven months after Labour announced plans" for a similar scheme.
"The government today is trying to catch up," he added.
"David Cameron and Michael Gove have spent the last three years undermining technical education - damaging the quality of apprenticeships, downgrading the engineering diploma and narrowing the curriculum so skills are side-lined," Twigg added.
"The government should be judged on their actions so far, not on their words today."
Do you think the Tech Bacc will help to meet the recruitment needs of the ICT industry? Let us know in the comments below.
