Council’s interest in University Technology College for Rochdale

Rochdale Council is likely to express an interest in establishing a ‘regional’ 14-19 University Technology College (UTC).
 
The college would be in partnership with local stakeholders, including Hopwood Hall College, local and sub-regional employers, sub-regional universities and Rochdale high schools.
 
Councillors discussed the idea of opening a UTC at tonight’s (6 June) cabinet meeting.
 
University Technology Colleges was an idea which originated from Lord Baker in the eighties.
 
Universities and employers must sponsor the development of UTCs with Further Education Colleges as a new generation of schools that are intended to help end the academic-vocational divide in the English education system.
 
The colleges focus on qualifications that require specialised equipment, such as engineering, construction and manufacturing, creative and digital media and low carbon technologies
 
The report presented to Councillors, reads: “A regional UTC in Rochdale, responding to the radical reforms taking place in the Education, Employment and Training sector, in the context of driving up the skills levels and aspirations of our residents, would ensure that Rochdale takes its place at the cutting edge of 14-19 provision which is demand led and responsive to what employers say they need and will allow young people to access high end FE and HE opportunities.”

Further consultation will be carried out before Rochdale puts forward an expression of interest. The next window to do so is in the early autumn.
 
The report concluded that the location of a potential UTC in a refurbished existing building needs to be considered.
 
At this stage, initial discussions have identified locations in central Rochdale including;

• Touchstones
• The vacated court house
• Block C at Hopwood Hall College (due for demolition)
• Premises close to Stake Hill/Kingsway Business Parks
• Potentially, existing stock at school sixth form centre’s with low/reducing/no numbers
• Existing council stock