LIVERPOOL is to open a new college within two years to create “the next generation” of scientists, engineers and health workers.

Due to open in 2013, the base for 14 to 19 year-olds was one of 13 bids approved by the government yesterday (MON) to become one of its flagship University Technical Colleges (UTCs).

UTCs are university and business sponsored colleges which specialise in technical studies which combine practical and academic studies and see employers shape the curriculum as well as setting projects and offering work placements.

Prime Minister David Cameron champions UTCs as a way of “offering first-class technical skills to those turned off by purely academic study”.

And the North Liverpool Life Sciences UTC, to open in the north of the city on a yet to be finalised site, will be led by sponsors the University of Liverpool, Everton-based North Liverpool Academy and the Royal Liverpool hospital.

Specialising in the bio-medical sciences, engineering and healthcare the sponsors will work hand in hand with businesses from the sector ranging from global biopharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb to commodities group Unilever.

The Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which promotes UTCs and was co-founded by former Education Secretary Lord Kenneth Baker, said the Liverpool base will serve around 600 students who can study for practical and technical qualifications such as BTECs and diplomas alongside GCSEs in core subjects including English, maths and science as well as doing other disciplines such as sport or PE.

The idea is those completing the courses can thrive in the world of work and if they choose progress to do high level apprenticeships or go on to university.