14/02/12 - Chris Kelly writes to Michael Gove to support Aston University Technical College Dudley bid

Walsall has a University Technical College (Black Country UTC) and now Aston University is bidding to open a UTC in Dudley with the support of Dudley College and local employers such as Thomas Dudley Limited and Hadley Industries.

Chris Kelly MP has written to his colleague, Secretary of State for Education, the Rt. Hon. Michael Gove MP, to give the bid his strong support.

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.

UTCs provide pupils with an inspiring learning environment, with real industry challenges and regular experience of work, to gain academic knowledge alongside practical 'hands-on' experience.

Pupils at the proposed Aston University Technical College Dudley will study a range of practical engineering qualifications, accredited by City and Guilds or BTEC. Alongside these vocational qualifications, all students would take Maths, English and up to three Science GCSEs, with the option of further GCSEs in German, Mandarin, the History of Technology, Applied Engineering or Product Design. Pupils aged 16 and above would follow either a Professional Technical pathway, an A level or apprenticeship route.

Commenting, Chris Kelly MP said: "A second UTC in the Black Country would have a significant impact on raising the aspirations of young people in the area to study science and engineering. These skills are going to be increasingly vital for the future economic competitiveness of our area. That's why the Aston University Technical College Dudley has my strong support."

Employers’ involvement in the design and delivery of the curriculum is a key element in UTCs. The employers have committed to provide work placements for both students and staff, work related projects, practical ideas and master classes.

Plans have been submitted to government to develop a £10m UTC in Dudley. Two leading local employers, The Hadley Group and The Thomas Dudley Group, together with Aston University and Dudley College, have submitted a £10m bid to the Department for Education to develop the Aston University Technical College Dudley. If successful, the UTC would be built adjacent to Dudley Sixth, the town’s new A level centre. The new UTC could open as early as 2014.

Wednesday 14 March 2012 update
Chris Kelly MP has received this encouraging reply from the minister.