Second bid for North Solihull engineering college due this month

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.