The new Black Country University Technical College (UTC) officially opened for learning on Tuesday 13th September, with a high profile visit by Kenneth Baker (The Rt Hon Lord Baker of Dorking CH).

Lord Baker, who is a firm supporter of UTCs and is Chair of the Baker-Dearing Educational Trust, visited the Black Country UTC in Walsall to have a guided tour of the new facilities and speak to its first cohort of students.

The new Black Country University Technical College is one of the first of a new breed of schools across the country, offering 14 - 19 year olds the opportunity to gain the qualifications and skills required for an exciting and rewarding career in science and engineering.

The Black Country UTC will deliver the 'best of both worlds', combining the academic curriculum with high quality technical education. The new school is being supported by lead sponsor, Walsall College and co-sponsor, University of Wolverhampton, as well as receiving the full backing of Walsall Council.  In addition to this, the curriculum and facilities have been developed using strong partnerships with local employers.  All the courses are actively shaped by world renowned employers, such as Siemens, ZF Lemforder and Finning along with other experienced local businesses.

Students at the Black Country UTC will now be working on exciting and challenging projects, developing innovative new products and processes that could change the way we live. The school is providing forward-thinking students with a unique opportunity to get a head-start in developing the skills required for an exciting and rewarding career in the fast-changing engineering and science industries.

Over the summer, the site has been equipped to deliver the Black Country UTC's specialist curriculum to its first cohort of students, including the installation of specialist equipment.  Planning for phase two of the renovation will now be initiated over the next few months.  The Capital Building Project will ensure the whole school is equipped deliver its curriculum to a full cohort of students, and is due for completion in September 2013.

Chris Hilton, Principal of the Black Country UTC, said:

"We are delighted to have Lord Baker visit the Black Country UTC in our first week of opening.  The Black Country UTC provides an inspirational learning environment.  Our young people will be successful, make a positive contribution to society, have entrepreneurial skills and meet the needs of employers in the West Midlands. The school will reinvigorate the Black Country's engineering heritage and our students have been very excited to get started!"