Plans for a University Technical College for Norfolk specialising in energy and engineering skills have cleared a key hurdle, with the Statement of Intent led by City College Norwich and supported by the University of East Anglia gaining Ministerial approval.
The University Technical College, which would be among the first of its kind in the country, would offer places for 600 young people aged 14-19 throughout Norfolk. The bid, which is led by City College Norwich and supported by UEA, must now submit further plans for final approval for funding from the Department for Education.
Backed by employers in the energy and advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, the University Technical College would provide young people with the skills needed to progress into employment in these important and growing sectors for the region.
The plan is being supported by Adnams plc, Aquaterra Energy, CISCO, the Gardline Group, Lotus Cars, MayGurney, Schneider Electric UK, Scottish Renewables and RWE Npower, and has also been developed with the East of England Energy Group, Skills for Energy, Hethel Engineering Centre, the National Engineering Foundation, the National Skills Academy in Manufacturing and the Mason Trust as well as the support of Norfolk County Council.
University Technical Colleges are a new type of institution for students aged 14 to 19, combining practical and academic study and specialising in technical studies. The areas of specialism are supported by close links with employers and the expertise of the university sponsor.
Students attending the University Technical College will develop their skills in industry standard facilities, taught by teachers with practical experience of the sector. University Technical College students will continue to study GCSEs and A levels alongside their technical training.
Employers will play a key and active role in the University Technical College. They will do this by shaping what is taught, so that students develop the skills and qualifications needed by the industry, and also by offering students work placement opportunities.
The proposed University Technical College would be established as a free standing institution for 14 to 19 year olds and a Steering Group is looking at prospective light industrial sites where it could be located. Whilst it will be based in Norwich, the University Technical College would be made accessible to students throughout Norfolk.
Dick Palmer, Principal, City College Norwich, said: “We have some really significant employers within energy, manufacturing and engineering based here in Norfolk. These employers can and should play a key part in the future economic development of our region. Through the University Technical College we want to support the growth and development of these sectors by providing young people from Norfolk with the technical skills needed to work in these areas. I am delighted that our proposal has been well received by the Department for Education and they have asked to prepare for a September 2011 start. We can now start the real work with our partners to turn this tremendous opportunity into reality”.
Dr Ben Milner, Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching, Faculty of Science, UEA, said: "The University of East Anglia is pleased to support the proposal to establish a University Technical College (UTC) that will specialise in the areas of energy and engineering. A UTC in the east of England that specialises in these areas would be beneficial to many local employers as there is significant demand for such suitably skilled young people. It would also fit well with some of the University's own interests."
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