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 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. This reduces negative impact for any one local school in
terms of student roll.
UTCs specialise in subjects that require technical and modern
equipment, for example, engineering, product design, health
sciences, construction, and land and environmental services.
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.