Aylesbury: Bucks technical college to open in 2013
Buckinghamshire UTC (University Technical College) has been named as one of the 13 successful applications across the country that has been given the go-ahead by the Government.
The Buckinghamshire UTC, due to open in Aylesbury in 2013, will specialise in IT and Specialist Construction. This exceptional educational offering is jointly led by Aylesbury College and Buckinghamshire New University in High Wycombe, plus a range of local companies who will be working in partnership, including Cisco, Research Machines, National Trust, Chilterns Conservation Board and Taylor Wimpey.
As regional employers, these organisations will play a major role, helping to shape the UTC curriculum and relate it to future jobs that match the needs of the local economy. In turn, students will acquire the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
UTCs are a new concept in education. They are free-standing colleges for 600-800, 14 to 19 year old students, with a working day of 8.30am-5.30pm. Technical and academic education is integrated and practical work is valued as highly as academic study. Each will provide at least one technical specialism alongside the key GCSEs in English, maths and science, as well as a foreign language, humanities, finance, business, entrepreneurial and employability skills.
The Buckinghamshire UTC will focus on IT and construction in order to fill the skills gaps in the county, including the need for software developers and a skilled workforce to help preserve its historical buildings. By combining Aylesbury College’s knowledge of the construction industry with the University’s expertise in conservation, this will help to ensure the survival of traditional skills that are core to Buckinghamshire’s heritage, at the same time addressing 21st century issues such as sustainability.
Pauline Odulinski, principal of Aylesbury College, explained: “Aylesbury College is delighted to be at the forefront of developing an innovative, new approach to learning through the Buckinghamshire UTC. In collaboration with Bucks New University, we aim to deliver pioneering programmes in IT and construction, which will enable 14-19 year olds to gain skills that ensure they have a bright and clear future.
“Major global businesses are actively engaged in the design, development and delivery of the UTC qualifications. They are totally committed to playing a full part in this partnership which will help to transform young people’s lives and provide a highly skilled workforce for the region.”
The Buckinghamshire UTC will form a key element of an innovative new partnership that Bucks New University and Aylesbury College are working towards to help meet the skills needs of the Buckinghamshire.
Considered to be at the entrepreneurial heart of Britain, Buckinghamshire has the highest number of start-ups in the country and a large demand for skills to meet the requirements of these small businesses. There is a need therefore to increase the skills of those preparing for work and to meet the needs of employers, in order to support a recovering economy.
Professor Ruth Farwell, vice-chancellor of Bucks New University, said: “It is excellent news that we will be working with Aylesbury College as lead partners for the Buckinghamshire UTC. The initiative aims to address the specific skills gaps and educational needs of the county, and we look forward to working with the very best partners to provide high quality educational opportunities with a much-needed focus on technical subjects. This UTC will provide students with a high quality pathway to success that can lead to apprenticeships, foundation and higher degrees.
“Aylesbury College and Bucks New University have a long history of working together as partners that will provide a solid foundation for even greater collaboration. We have similar aims and ambitions – a focus on work skills, partnerships and widening participation, for instance.
“Added to which, the rather particular characteristics of Buckinghamshire offer us a strategic opportunity to bring further and higher education together to focus on the needs of learners and employers, sharing a mutual goal to the benefit of the whole county’s economy.”
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