Green light to create university technical college in Liverpool
Liverpool is to open a new college within two years to create “the next generation” of scientists, engineers and health workers.
Due to open in 2013, the base for 14 to 19 year-olds was one of 13 bids approved by the government yesterday (MON) to become one of its flagship University Technical Colleges (UTCs).
UTCs are university and business sponsored colleges which specialise in technical studies which combine practical and academic studies and see employers shape the curriculum as well as setting projects and offering work placements.
Prime Minister David Cameron champions UTCs as a way of “offering first-class technical skills to those turned off by purely academic study”.
And the North Liverpool Life Sciences UTC, to open in the north of the city on a yet to be finalised site, will be led by sponsors the University of Liverpool, Everton-based North Liverpool Academy and the Royal Liverpool hospital.
Specialising in the bio-medical sciences, engineering and healthcare the sponsors will work hand in hand with businesses from the sector ranging from global biopharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb to commodities group Unilever.
The Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which promotes UTCs and was co-founded by former Education Secretary Lord Kenneth Baker, said the Liverpool base will serve around 600 students who can study for practical and technical qualifications such as BTECs and diplomas alongside GCSEs in core subjects including English, maths and science as well as doing other disciplines such as sport or PE.
The idea is those completing the courses can thrive in the world of work and if they choose progress to do high level apprenticeships or go on to university.
Education Secretary Michael Gove approved the Liverpool bid after being impressed by the sponsors’ vision “to provide outstanding technical, academic and vocational education in a creative, regional centre of excellence by working closely with local employers and the region’s major commercial players to create the next generation of scientists, healthcare practitioners, engineers and entrepreneurs”.
The centrally-funded college will be open to students across the city with a working day of 8.30am-5.30pm.
The Baker Dearing Educational Trust said a detailed feasibility study would now be drawn up ahead of its opening.
Lord Baker said of Liverpool’s bid: “The approved North Liverpool Life Sciences UTC has been developed by people with passion and vision.
“Thanks to them, thousands of young people will have the chance to combine outstanding hands-on learning with an excellent academic education, leading to unrivalled career opportunities.”
And Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool Sir Howard Newby said the venture would “respond to demand from industry whilst broadening economic opportunities to new areas of the city in a sector which is critical to the city’s future economy”.
A North Liverpool Academy spokesman said: “ The UTC will transform life opportunities for young people.
“Students attending the UTC will develop technical employability skills for the life sciences and health care sector enabling them to take advantage of the growing employment opportunities within the Liverpool city region.”
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