UTCs
University Technical Colleges are a new concept in education. They offer 14-19 year olds the opportunity to take a highly regarded, full time, technically-oriented course of study. They are equipped to the highest standard, sponsored by a university and offer clear progression routes into higher education or further learning in work.
The active involvement of UCL (University College London) in Elutec is a clear demonstration that UTCs are important and prestigious institutions, providing opportunities and progress in a variety of careers at all levels of attainment.
“The next great poverty-busting structural change we need – the expansion of University Technical Colleges – offering first-class technical skills to those turned off by purely academic study.”
David Cameron, Prime Minister
Students combine hand and mind to learn in a very practical way, integrating national curriculum requirements with the technical and vocational elements. The UTC ethos and curriculum is heavily influenced by local and national employers who also provide support and work experience for students. They are sub-regional, taking students from a wide geographical area.
UTCs specialise in subjects that require technical and modern equipment:
- Engineering
- Product design
- Health sciences
- Digital technologies
- Built environments
- Manufacturing
However, they all teach business skills and the use of ICT. The chosen specialism reflects the university’s areas of excellence and the needs of local employers.
A fundamental principle of UTCs is that they do not judge students on their past performance. Students are given new opportunities and new ways of learning which allow them to achieve to a higher level than they may have done before.
UTCs are administered by the Baker Dearing Trust. For more information click here.
