The Secretary of State for Education, Rt. Hon. Michael Gove MP stated;

"Excellent vocational education is a must for any modern nation. I am delighted that the Aston University Engineering Academy will be delivering apprenticeships and working with E.ON. I hope more businesses and schools will work together in a similar way, creating opportunities for young people to gain the skills and knowledge that employers need."

Following an introduction from the BDT Chairman, Rt.Hon. Lord Baker, the Chief Operating Officer of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), David Way announced that Aston University Engineering Academy, a state funded school for 14-19 year olds will be the first University Technical College (UTC) to deliver apprenticeships - and will act as a pilot for further apprenticeship development across all UTCs.

David Way, (COO, NAS) said;

"The partnership with Aston University Engineering Academy is an important development in the continuing delivery of apprenticeships.  Through the programme, there will be the opportunity for the students to progress to a higher apprenticeship or go on to University.  Making these choices available to young people is vital demonstrating that apprenticeships provide a great lift-off for the working lives of talented people and for making businesses more productive."

Professor Alison Halstead (Member of EU Skills Board and Pro Vice Chancellor of Aston University (Learning & Teaching Innovation)) said;

"I am delighted that the Aston University Engineering Academy has been able to demonstrate that schools with specialist facilities can deliver apprenticeships for 16 year olds. Many of our employers are very interested in continuing to sponsor successful students on to foundation degrees and degrees to ensure they have a highly skilled future workforce. I am optimistic that many other UTCs will start to offer an apprenticeship pathway."

Derek Parkin, Managing Director of Controlling and Project Development at E.ON New Build and Technology addressed the audience made up of educationalists, employers, MPs and others involved in the world of education detailing the support that E.ON are providing to this initiative at Aston and beyond;

Derek Parkin, (E.ON) said;

"The challenge for our business is to deliver affordable, reliable energy for a low carbon future and we need young people with vision and ambition to help us deliver change. Through our Engineering Academy we're able to offer innovative and engaging training and we believe this initiative presents a fantastic opportunity for educators and industry to work together in delivering technically focused quality apprenticeships. We're proud to support this scheme which provides an exciting opportunity for young people and industry alike."

The aim of the pilot scheme is for the Aston University Engineering Academy team with support from NAS, E-ON and EU Skills, to design and develop a model apprenticeship pathway for UTCs. All materials, marketing, recruitment strategies, assessment boards and training schemes will be provided through the Baker Dearing Trust to all interested UTCs.

Lord Baker, BDT Chairman said;

"The Baker Dearing Educational Trust is delighted to be working with NAS, E.ON and Aston University Engineering Academy on this important initiative. UTCs have been developed in response to repeated demands from industry. Developing a strong apprenticeship model is crucial to the continued success of the UTC movement and their unique curriculum that is responsive to the needs of employers."

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

About The Baker Dearing Educational Trust

The Baker Dearing Educational 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.

About NAS

The National Apprenticeship Service focuses on increasing the number of apprentices in England. We work with employers to help them introduce apprentices into their businesses, help those looking to start their careers find an Apprenticeship opportunity and contribute towards the costs of the training and qualifications within an Apprenticeship. We engage with a wide range of partners to help design the frameworks for apprentices and we implement all Government policies aimed at setting the high standard of quality Apprenticeships.

We promote excellence in Apprenticeships and vocational training with awards, campaigns and skills competitions including National Apprenticeship Week and WorldSkills UK.

National Apprenticeship Week is 6-10 February 2012

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About E.ON

E.ON is one of the UK's leading power and gas companies - generating electricity, and retailing power and gas - and is part of the E.ON group, one of the world's largest investor-owned power and gas companies.  E.ON employs around 12,000 people in the UK and more than 79,000 worldwide.

About Aston University Engineering Academy

Aston University Engineering Academy in Birmingham is a 14-19 mixed University Technical College, sponsored by Aston University.  The Academy has a strong engineering and science focus, with personalised learning for students, offering them the chance to follow an A level pathway, a technical pathway or an apprenticeship route. From September 2012 they will open to a first year intake of 120 Year 10 and 60 Year 12 students.

For media enquiries, quotes & images contact:

Baker Dearing Educational Trust

Susan Higgins on 020 7960 1546 or shiggins@utcolleges.org / Andi Neophytou on 020 7960 1543 andin@utcolleges.org