Share your views on university technical college (From This Is Wiltshire)

THE public consultation on Swindon’s £10m university technical college has begun.

UTC Swindon, which will specialise in engineering with business and enterprise for 14 to 19-year-olds, is set to be built at an historic site in the town’s railway heartland, off Bristol Street.

As part of the development phase, the UTC Trust is undertaking a consultation, which runs until March 22 to gather stakeholders’ views on the proposals to date.

Oxford Brookes University pro vice chancellor Paul Inman said: “The proposed UTC will offer a different educational choice for young people aged 14 to 19.

“Sponsored by Oxford Brookes University and Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells, UTC Swindon will give students an opportunity to follow a high-quality, industry-focused course of study specialising in engineering.

“As part of the development phase, the UTC Trust is undertaking a period of consultation. We would welcome any comments and feedback you wish to share.”

The UTC Swindon team have published a leaflet with more information on the proposals, including the proposed UTC day, the location, admissions, what will be on offer and the UTC culture.

The leaflet reads: “We will set out to prepare young people to progress to become outstanding engineers.

“UTC Swindon will ensure that each student feels supported and able to succeed.

“Particular attention and pastoral care will be given to those joining us in Year 10, so they are able to adjust and excel in their new environment.

“It is our intention that by the end of their time with us, all students will have the practical skills and experience to progress to the next step of their career, whether at university, an apprenticeship or a job.

“One big difference for students attending UTC Swindon is that they will be learning in a workplace environment, rather than a school or college environment.

“Students will be grouped into learning companies where they learn to act and behave in industrial teams just as in professional life.

“They will devise solutions to challenges and work on projects to solve problems set by employers. Through these companies, students will learn the language of business and the relationship between learning, industry and business.

“The advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors are crucial to the future success of Swindon and the surrounding areas.

“Through our conversations with local employers they have reported that they need more young people leaving full-time education with higher levels of achievement in technical subjects.”

The proposed admissions criteria for UTC Swindon are available at utcswindon.co.uk/admissions. Places will be offered across a wide catchment area.

To give your views visit www.utcswindon.co.uk.

An information evening will also be held at Steam on March 5 from 5.30pm to 8pm, where everybody is welcome to drop in and meet the sponsors, and find out more.