FACILITY: The North Solihull college would be based on a facility set to open in Coventry this autumn. |
OPENING a new engineering college in North
Solihull could help solve the region’s skills shortage, academics
have argued.
The University of Warwick
is leading a proposal to create the University
Technical College ,
which they claim would give young people the training to take advantage of job
opportunities in the West Midlands ’ booming
manufacturing sector.
There was anger earlier this year, when an initial bid to
the Department of Education was unsuccessful. Chelmsley Wood councillor Nick
Stephens said in February that the decision was very disappointing.
Despite this setback, the university is to make a second
attempt to secure support this month, following “positive” dialogue with
the Government. If the second bid is successful, the site could open its doors as
early as 2016.
The college would be modelled on a similar facility in Coventry
and have a number of partners. Solihull Council would sit on the governing
body, while major employers like Jaguar Land Rover would be involved in setting
the curriculum.
It’s hoped that taking in teenagers at 14 and 16-years-old and
offering a range of specialist qualifications would be a major boost to the
region’s economy. At present, the manufacturing industry is driving the
recovery and creating new jobs, but there is often a struggle to recruit young
people with the necessary expertise.
In its Q&A about the college proposal, Solihull Council
outlined the opportunities that could be made available to students:
“The West Midlands has a rich
engineering history and the region has a number of innovative businesses and
employers that the UTC aims to work with.
“The recent announcement by Jaguar Land Rover to create more
engineering jobs in Solihull highlights the job
opportunities for young people who specialise in science, technology,
engineering and maths.”
Details about the location of the site are still sketchy,
although the council has confirmed that the purpose-built facility would
be within easy reach of transport links at Chelmsley Wood and Marston Green. The academy would cater for over 600 students, with over 40 per cent living within a five mile radius of North Solihull.
Authorities have said more detailed plans will be announced
if the bid to the DoE is successful.
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