06.08.14
Government gives green light to London’s first health UTC
The government has given Bromley College approval to open a new University Technical College (UTC) in 2016, which will be the only one in London and Kent to specialise in health and wellbeing sciences.
One of seven new UTCs to have been announced by the government, the new type of secondary technical school will be the first in Bromley offering young people aged 14-19 the opportunity to specialise in a particular career path.
The Bromley UTC is a joint venture between the College, Canterbury Christ Church University and King’s College Hospital and is supported by a number of employers such as Oxleas NHS Trust, Nuffield Health, and Mytime Active.
Sam Parrett, principal of Bromley College, said: “We are delighted that our application to open a new UTC in health and wellbeing sciences in Bromley has been approved.
“Our vision is to provide outstanding vocational education and train our students for careers in the health and wellbeing science sectors with direct input and support from employers in the industry.”
Although not the first UTC to specialise in health in England, the College’s specialist courses will include genetics and genetic engineering, microbiological techniques, biochemistry and biochemical techniques, laboratory science, forensic science, medical science, environmental science and biological, chemical and physical science – which will, hopefully, help drive the future economy of London and the South East.
John Moss, Dean of Education at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: ‘As university sponsor of the Bromley UTC, CCCU is delighted that approval has been given for the project.
“The university sees this development as a key part of its strategic partnership with Bromley College, which is designed to create exciting new opportunities for young people, taking them on a journey through college to employment and/or university. CCCU will be contributing expertise in health and wellbeing, life sciences and education to the UTC.”
Lord [Kenneth] Baker, chairman of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, who has been spearheading the UTC movement, says that the technical schools help develop and nurture an ambitious and capable future workforce is vital to the success of our economy.
“UTCs make sense and work for employers, universities and, most importantly, young people,” he said.
Chancellor George Osborne, who announced the latest wave of UTCs, stated that the new colleges will provide the next generation of British workers with the skills they need to secure the high-tech jobs of the future.
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