EMPLOYERS in Wirral are being urged to support plans to create a technical college specialising in engineering studies for 14-19 year olds in Birkenhead.
A bid for the University Technical College (UTC) is set to be submitted to the Government early next year for the second round of UTCs, supported by key local firms.
John Syvret, the CEO of Cammell Laird, which is leading the consortium of local companies behind the scheme, said: “We need the community to send a powerful message to the judging panel that there is real support for a Merseyside UTC in Birkenhead.
“While this is a terrific opportunity for our region, the competition is fierce. In total, 10 new UTCs will be given the go-ahead from around 30 applicants from across the UK.
“We believe we have one of the most compelling bids on the table but we need local people to get behind it.”
The aim is to address “a huge skills gap in the engineering sector” and “help turbo charge our region’s engineering and manufacturing sectors by injecting them with a consistent supply of new talent”.
University Technical Colleges are a new concept in education, intended to offer 14-19 year olds the opportunity to have a highly regarded yet technically-oriented education.
The Birkenhead UTC has an impressive list of backers, including Birkenhead MP Frank Field, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Vauxhall Motors, Peel Holdings, Bibby Line Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Stobart Ports, Mersey Ports, Mersey Travel, Wirral Council and Wirral Metropolitan College, among others.
Mr Syvret said they are now hoping to use an online survey to demonstrate even wider local support and urged people to back the bid.
Jim Teasdale, CEO of trade group Mersey Maritime and a member of the UTC steering group, said a key focus of the technical college would be to make work experience a fundamental element of the curriculum.
He said: “When you look at the businesses already backing the bid you can see the potential the UTC has and the incredible learning experience it will offer. Critically we intend to create road maps into employment.
“However, we do need the support of the community and we urge people across the Liverpool City Region to take part in the survey and show their support.”
See www.merseymaritime.co.uk/backthebid.phuse
