University Technical College Success!
It is rare that I decide to abandon the traditional diary format of my column in favour of a discussion on one particular issue. However, it is fair to say that I am absolutely delighted our campaign to bring a University Technical College to Newton Abbot has been successful. Such is the importance of this announcement for future educational provision in South Devon that it is important we take the time to consider what it will mean for our area.
Those of you who read my column on a regular basis will be aware that I have been fighting a campaign to bring a University Technical College to Newton Abbot since the Government announced that such educational institutions would be established. University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are schools for 14-18 year olds that primarily focus on unlocking the potential of those with an aptitude or interest in technical subjects. The basic idea underpinning them is that some pupils are better suited to technical subjects like engineering then more traditional alternatives. UTCs are therefore being established to offer such pupils the chance to benefit from exceptional teaching and access to world class facilitates, whilst also maintaining academic rigour through the teaching of core subjects. I used part of my Maiden Speech to call for further investment in technical education and I have long believed that we must invest in world class facilitates teaching the hands-on practical skills we need to underpin local and national economic prosperity. My passion for technical education was perhaps demonstrated most visibly when I quizzed the Prime Minister on the need for the Government to fund a new round of applications so Newton Abbot could apply to get its own UTC.
I am therefore absolutely delighted that the Government has approved the establishment of the £9.7m South Devon University Technical College. It will be built in Newton Abbot, although it will over time seek to attract pupils from within a 30 mile radius. This is not therefore just a substantial investment in Newton Abbot and my constituency, but the whole of South Devon. An estimated 600 pupils will be able to attend at any one time and the college will have a unique focus on engineering, water and the environment.
The reason I have championed the call for us to get a University Technical College is simple. When the UTC initiative was announced, I saw the potential to drive economic regeneration in our area. We have a first class engineering history in South Devon and an unsung, but excellent, local engineering sector epitomised by companies such as Centrax. However, the sector needs a new injection of energy and I believe establishing a UTC is one way this can be done as it would support and grow our engineering companies whilst giving young people a real career choice
To deliver something like this requires teamwork and a shared vision. I went to see Stephen Criddle at South Devon College and together we worked to get a steering group together of local businesses and a leading university. We would not have got the UTC without South Devon College, Centrax, Galliford Try, Southwest Water, Exeter University, Teignbridge District and many many others and we all owe a debt of thanks for the hours and significant resources they put into the project.
This is the first UTC with a university from the leading Russell group of universities-Exeter has an outstanding engineering faculty and working with our business community and South Devon College has created a great curriculum.
The South Devon UTC will create an educational option for young people from 14 to 18. Unlike traditional secondary schools, children will work a business working day not a school working day and academic subjects will be fully integrated into practical engineering projects devised with local engineering universities. UTCs are non selective, but they do create a sense of purpose and meaning to maths and science which has seen the pupils attending the first UTCs that have been opened achieve some great GCSE results.
This is a proud moment, but we all need to continue to work together to deliver this with the government funding this successful bid unlocks.
Surgeries and Getting Together.
My next surgery will be on Friday 12th April at 9am Dawlish (Manor House). Please phone 01626 368277 to make an appointment. I will be holding a drop in surgery at 11am in Teignmouth (Morrisons) where no appointment is necessary. Just pop by and see me. My next Face to Face is also on Friday 12th April at 6.30pm in the Royal Oak in Ideford. I look forward to seeing you there.