Engineering in the Black Country will be transformed after one of EnglandÂs first-ever University Technical CollegeÂs announced it was moving to a new multi-million pound campus in central Walsall.
The Black Country University Technical College (BCUTC) has been backed by the Department for Education (DfE) to relocate to state-of-the-art facilities next to Ofsted outstanding Walsall College, as part of a multi-million pound project.
The UTCÂs Board of Directors have identified a building off Portland Street for refurbishment and expansion as a specialist science and engineering centre for the regionÂs 14-19 year olds. It will be situated just yards from Walsall CollegeÂs £64 million Wisemore Campus and the £11 million Business and Sports Hub which is due to open in September 2015.
Established in 2011, the BCUTC has a strong legacy of delivery and its move to a central Walsall location will increase accessibility for students as well as improve recruitment opportunities. The BCUTC will continue to operate as normal until the move, when 300 students will transfer to the new campus from April 2016 and enjoy a range of benefits, including:
·Town centre location with strong public transport links, such as bus and rail, making the BCUTC far more accessible to students;
·State-of-the-art learning campus and facilities which will provide both academic and practical skills learning for the students;
·A site which is in close proximity to Walsall College, offering greater opportunity for collaboration for the benefit of student learning;
·Being part of the wider Walsall College Learning Quarter vision which includes access to the £11m Business and Sports Hub and £300,000 Engineering Manufacturing Workshop.
The building on Portland Street currently lies redundant and work is now underway to develop the proposals. A planning application will be submitted to Walsall Council once the preparation work has been completed.
It will further boost the regionÂs capability to meet the skills gap in engineering, as Walsall College creates a new £300,000 Engineering Manufacturing Workshop at its nearby Green Lane Campus, offering specialist provision in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Theworkshop is being refitted in time for its launch this September as the College looks to complement the BCUTC engineering offer, providing growth opportunities for both institutions.
Henriette Harnisch, Chair of Governors at the BCUTC, which is sponsored by Walsall College and the University of Wolverhampton, said: ÂThe Black Country UTC has seen some real successes with many of our students going on to University or securing prestigious apprenticeships with our employer sponsors.
ÂUnfortunately, however, the present site has often proved challenging for recruitment due to its location and restricted public transport links which is why weÂve taken decisive action to relocate to the centre of Walsall and further establish ourselves in the Black Country. This new state-of-the-art college will provide a number of major benefits for current and future students and weÂre delighted that the Department for Education has backed our proposals with capital funds.
ÂWe know this kind of vocational education works and weÂre keen to widen this out so that we can provide greater learning and employment opportunities across the region.Â
Principal and Chief Executive of Walsall College, Jatinder Sharma, said: ÂEngineering and science is a priority sector for the Black Country, the birthplace of engineering, and that is why we are fully committed to supporting the relocation of the BCUTC as well as advancing our own exciting plans for an Engineering Manufacturing Workshop, focusing on science and engineering.
ÂThese new central facilities will allow more students than ever before to benefit from fantastic teaching and learning as we train the workforce of the future and help to boost the economy by meeting the regional skills gap for engineering and science.Â
Sir Geoff Hampton, Director at the University of Wolverhampton, said: ÂThe University of Wolverhampton is delighted to play a key role in the development of this University Technical College.
ÂIt is crucial for Walsall and the wider Black Country that we nurture and develop engineering skills and competencies within the next generation workforce. The regeneration of our region will be driven by these young people who will help us to regain our former positioning as the manufacturing heartland of the country.Â
Brian Holliday, Divisional Director for Siemens Industry Sector, added: ÂSiemens is proud to be the major employer partner of the BCUTC. We believe the innovative teaching approach to engineering and science, combined with a state-of-the-art environment, will equip our students with the skills and attitudes to contribute to and excel in the world of work.
ÂEngineering once again represents a tremendous opportunity for young people and this investment will further boost career opportunities in the Black Country and the region's engineering capability.Â
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Further reaction on the relocation:
Parent Governor Muhammad Abdul Khaliq said: ÂThe move is great news. Relocation of the BCUTC next to Walsall College will greatly enhance the opportunities available to its students. They will be able to access a wider range of training, education and Apprenticeships with the employers by sharing the facilities already available within Walsall College.
ÂA town centre location will also benefit students with their travel to and from the BCUTC by giving them greater flexibility and ease in accessing the public transport links.Â
For more information about the Black Country UTC, contact David Seadon on 01922 688559
Photo caption:
The new central site for the Black Country University Technical College (BCUTC), which is situated off Portland Street.
