First in the North East
The Department for Education has approved the establishment for the North East’s first University Technical College (UTC), which will be based in Newton Aycliffe.
The college will open in 2016, and accomodate up to 600 youngsters. It will specialise in advanced manufacturing and engineering training for students aged 14 to 19 from across South Durham and the Tees Valley supported by the University of Sunderland, Hitachi Rail Europe and Gestamp Tallent Automotive.
Professor Gary Holmes, pro-vice chancellor at the University of Sunderland has been the prime leader in the bid for the new college and last month addressed the Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe stating how excited he was at the prospect of bringing the UTC to Aycliffe Business Park.
When questioned on the impact the UTC would have on the two senior schools in Newton Aycliffe Gary said the college would serve the whole of South West Durham and only take those students intent on an engineering or hi-tech career. He thought the intake from Aycliffe would not be damaging. The UTC curriculum however will include maths, English, sciences, IT and business enterprise.
Gary said: “We are delighted that the bid has been successful, it’s fantastic news for all those involved and testament to the support we’ve had from employers and from the local community.
“The vision of the South Durham UTC is to create a college which makes a significant contribution to the economic development of the region. It will prepare local young people for successful careers in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Many of our graduates will go on to University to study in technical and scientific areas – many others will go directly on to skilled employment here in our region.
“We will deliver a first-class education in an outstanding school. Expectations will be high and the pace will be brisk – we need to ensure that every student achieves their highest potential in all they do with us”.
