Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe One striking aspect of Andy Burnham’s very welcome announcement about reopening technical education routes for 14 year olds is that V Levels are not mentioned. When explaining this reform, he said it was not about “giving kids another qualification in a system that doesn’t work”, but about “transforming the system entirely”. V Levels are not the answer to the challenge facing 16-19 learners not suited for the A Level route, for three main reasons. First, they address the wrong problem. Qualifications are important milestones on a learning journey, but they are not the journey itself. The real issue is the lack of pathways and progression routes for vocational students, made worse by the collapse of level 2 16-19 apprenticeships. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.