UTCs pioneer next generation technical education

Ken Cornforth explains how University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are spearheading a new approach to teaching engineering and technical skills to schoolchildren in the UK and how this benefits both students and industry

University Technical Colleges (UTCs) were inspired by Lord Baker and the late Lord Dearing in response to repeated demands from industry for more technically educated, work-ready young people. Employers have expressed concerns for decades that many young people leaving school do not have the attitudes, skills and knowledge required to make a rapid and successful start to working life. The demand for high quality technical education has not been satisfied since the abolition of technical schools in the 1960s. UTCs are now leading the way for technically minded students that want an education that will give them the skills and attitudes employers need and a clear route to their chosen career.

UTCs are non-selective, publicly funded technical secondary schools for 14-19 year olds and offer a curriculum which provides the opportunity to study for both academic and technical qualifications. There are 50 UTCs across England, each teaching one or more technical specialisms that meet the skills shortages in their region. These include amongst others: engineering, manufacturing, health sciences, cyber security and digital technologies.