The Baker Dearing Educational Trust (BDET) welcomes the Government's continued support for University Technical Colleges (UTCs) which was unveiled in today's budget.

Britain desperately needs highly trained and educated technicians to aid the economic recovery. 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-orientated course of study. They provide practical and technical learning in partnership with a university and local employers.  They provide clear progression routes into higher education or further learning in work including apprenticeships.

Lord Kenneth Baker, co-founder of the BDET said,

"We are delighted that we have the backing of the Government on what we see as one of the most radical changes in education for a generation. The Chancellor recognises the central role that high quality technical education will play in the growth of the economy.  The Government has undertaken to announce the next round of UTCs soon; we look forward to taking these projects forward, while also pioneering new projects made possible with this additional funding."

Industrialists have spoken out in support of the UTC programme.

"Jaguar Land Rover welcomes the announcement by the Chancellor regarding the expansion of University Technical Colleges. It is essential for economic growth that we increase the number of young people prepared to work in engineering and manufacturing." Mike Wright, Executive Director, Jaguar Land Rover

"University Technical Colleges are playing a major part in training and educating young people to contribute to our construction and engineering industries.  I am therefore delighted that the Chancellor has committed the Government to expanding the UTC programme." Allan E Cook CBE, Chairman of WS Atkins plc.

"The UK economy needs large numbers of highly skilled and well qualified technicians if it is to grow. E.ON welcomes the announcement of increased investment in University Technical Colleges as a major contribution to achieving this. E.ON is already supporting Aston University Technical College." Dr. Paul Golby, Chief Executive E.ON

The BDET welcomes this funding but will continue to require support in kind and financial backing from employers to bring each UTC to life. They know that there is a shortage of well-trained engineers and technicians and we need them to continue to contribute to the success of this programme.

The BDET will work with the Department for Education, local employers, universities and FE colleges to develop a national network of UTCs. 

The new wave of UTCs began in 2010 with the highly successful and oversubscribed JCB Academy in Staffordshire.  Launching this year will be The Black Country UTC sponsored by Walsall College and the University of Wolverhampton. The additional support for UTCs announced by the Chancellor will at least double the number of UTCs from the 12 announced in the coalition agreement.

Notes to editors;

The Baker Dearing Trust was founded by Lord Baker and Lord Dearing to promote the concept of University Technical Colleges. The organisation acts as a central body to provide advice and guidance and will help to form a network made up of University Technical Colleges.

How are UTCs different?

They are different in three crucially important ways:

1)     They are 14-19 not 11-18 schools
2)     Each must be sponsored by a university or an FE college
3)     Employers will be involved from the start in shaping the curriculum

• There are no tests to enter a UTC.
• Their school day runs from 8:30am to 5:30pm except on Monday and Fridays when the finish is 4:30pm.
• They have a school year of 40 weeks with either four or five terms. These major changes significantly increase the teaching period over five years, adding a whole extra year of instruction.
• Extra-curricular activities are compulsory.
• There is a broad general curriculum, and the core subjects of maths, English and science are taught through highly demanding technical projects.
• Pre 16 students will spend 60% of their time on academic subjects and 40% on technical ones. Post 16 the percentage is reversed with 40% academic teaching, 60% technical.
• The curriculum content is determined and shaped through the partnership of employers and universities.
• All students study a foreign language related to their technical curriculum. Experience of work is a central element of the curriculum.
• The Government is fully supportive of ensuring that students combine work and study.
• Students study for qualifications which are recognised by employer.