The Government has today taken a crucial step in supporting University Technical Colleges (UTCs). Thirteen UTCs across the country have been given the go-ahead by Michael Gove (see list and map).  Five UTCs have already been approved - JCB in Staffordshire (operating), the Black Country (just opened), Aston in Birmingham (2012), Hackney (2012) and Greenwich (2013).  This announcement increases the number of UTCs to eighteen.

View the Channel 4 news piece

View the ITV Central news piece

For the past three years, the Baker Dearing Educational Trust (BDT) have been working with the Department for Education, local employers, universities and further education colleges to develop a national network of UTCs. The Government have pledged to increase the number to 24.

Lord Kenneth Baker, co-founder of BDT, said:

"George Osborne and Michael Gove have shown their commitment to these new colleges for 14-19 year olds by supporting a national network. I am delighted that it has all party support and so many people, right across the country, want to open UTCs.

Companies up and down the country desperately need highly skilled technicians and engineers.  UTCs will help our economic growth. Over 130 companies are supporting these 18 UTCs - a record industrial investment.

10,000 young people will attend the eighteen UTCs by 2015 - a great beginning. They will combine outstanding hands-on learning with an excellent academic education - leading to unrivalled career opportunities.

We look forward to taking these projects forward, as well as supporting and encouraging the next round of new applications planned for Spring 2012."

UTCs are a new concept in education.  They are free standing colleges for 600 - 800 14 to 19 year old students, with a working day of 8:30am - 5:30pm. Technical and academic education is integrated and practical work is valued as highly as academic study. Each will provide at least one technical specialism alongside the key GCSEs in English, maths and science, as well as a foreign language, humanities, finance, business, entrepreneurial and employability skills.

All UTCs are supported by a University and very often an FE college.  This unique approach opens up to students a high quality pathway to success, which can lead to apprenticeships, foundation and higher degrees.

Local employers both big and small have a major role.  They help to shape the curriculum and relate it to future jobs that match the needs of the local economy.  Students in turn acquire the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.

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