Businesses urged to back UTC plans to secure town’s future

BUSINESS leaders behind plans to create a £10m University Technical College (UTC) in Scarborough are urging companies to get behind the proposals to help secure the future of the town.

The Scarborough Business Ambassador Forum (SBA) recently met with directors of Scarborough-based international companies to explore the potential of a UTC in the town. Now, the plans have been backed by a number of local employers.
 
The proposed UTC would cater for 14-19 year-olds. It would specialise in engineering and technology to provide young people with the right skills and aptitudes ranging from mechanics and technicians, to technical designers and higher level graduate engineers and also teach core GCSEs.

Chairman of the SBA, Peter Wilkinson, said: “This project is our future, it’s not just about education – there is a bigger picture here. We now need businesses to become ambassadors for our town.”

Wilkinson was speaking at the Ambassador’s dinner held at the Crown Spa Hotel in Scarborough last night. 

UTCs work proactively with educational partners and the business community to drive a curriculum that provides specialist teaching in their chosen fields. At UTCs every student will either take up a university place or go straight into employment – currently UTCs have a 100% record.

Wilkinson highlighted major companies, of which 12 are international, already based in Scarborough including McCain Foods, Plaxtons and Cooplands & Son.

“There are already serious companies here. The AMRC in Sheffield is an example of modern technology and we have got to get that in Scarborough if we are to secure our future. We don’t want to lose our children to Sheffield. We want Scarborough to attract a whole generation.

“We have got to remember that this isn’t just about education – it is about our future and our future is dependent on this energy and passion to help. There are major skills shortages in our economy and many companies struggle to recruit, particularly into technical positions.”

Former Conservative education secretary who now runs the Baker Deering Education Trust, Lord Baker, who is backing the project which is also being support by the University of Hull, said the idea to create a UTC in the town began five years ago.

“There’s such enthusiasm here to have a UTC,” he said.

“I am quite sure this will transform education opportunities in this town. We will do everything we can to make sure Scarborough has a UTC.

“Every UTC is sponsored by a university. We want them to come and mentor the students. We want local employers to be involved in a way they have never been able to before. We want them to get involved in designing the lessons and coming in to teach. This is what UTC’s do. The students love to listen to successful business people. The involvement of local industry is essential. We want to give the youngsters a chance.

“I am confident my next visit to the town will be coming to the opening of the UTC in 18 months time.”