Government gives go-ahead to University Technical College

A new Wigan college backed by the University of Salford combining technical and academic education for 14-19-year-olds has been given the green light by Government.

Wigan University Technical College (UTC) will be one of a new breed of institutions focusing on technical studies to provide vocational and academic learning for students who would benefit from an alternative to traditional secondary school education. The Government has pledged to build a national network of 24 UTCs over the coming years, with two colleges in Walsall and Staffordshire already open and 16 more in the pipeline.

The University of Salford will be involved in designing Wigan UTC’s courses to make sure they reflect the latest methods. It will assist in the teaching of the green and environmental technology disciplines and UTC students could take advantage of the University’s specialist facilities.

Also sponsored by Wigan & Leigh College, Wigan UTC’s curriculum will specialise in the green economy and environmental technology, mirroring two of the University’s key strengths.

All students will take part in work placements with local employers, who will play a major part in planning teaching and ensuring qualifications and training match what their industries require.

The UTC will be based next to Wigan & Leigh College in the former Rushton’s Mill building, currently owned by Wigan Council, which will be fully refurbished to include high quality academic and workshop teaching areas.

“We believe that it is particularly important to integrate all educational opportunities for those over the age of 16, since this widens the scope of opportunities for individuals and will contribute to the growth of the regional economy,” said the University of Salford’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Hall.

“Wigan UTC will make a major contribution to this objective, giving students excellent technical and academic qualifications and skills to help them thrive in their chosen future path in employment or higher education. Sustainable and environmental technologies are areas of expertise at Salford, and we’re looking forward to working with Wigan UTC to make sure that their learners have the best possible opportunities in these fields.”