Peterborough: New University Technical College

23 January 2014, 11:56 | Updated: 23 January 2014, 14:45

The government has announced that a new University Technical College is to be set up in Peterborough.

The new training centre is one of six nationally that have been approved by the government.

14 to 19 year olds will learn about construction and engineering at the facility.

It's anticipated it will lead them into careers in engineering, environmental sustainability and construction

The college will be built on the Peterborough Regional College Park Crescent campus, and is expected to open in 2015.

The building will be sponsored by Anglia Ruskin University with employer sponsors including Anglian Water, The Larkfleet Group, and Marshall Aerospace.

Chair of the UTC, Angela Joyce, said: "The UTC is an exciting and unique addition to education in Greater Peterborough.

I am delighted that we have such a strong partnership who will deliver this technical based curriculum for those aged 14 alongside their GCSEs.

Phil Brown, Head of People Development, Anglian Water said: "Recruitment of skilled and motivated staff is a growing challenge and our needs for staff are in line with the UTC's planned student output.

We look forward to inviting students of the UTC to apply for roles with us, leading to successful careers for those interested in our industry, and seeing the Greater Peterborough UTC fill skills gaps and provide progression into employment for young people."

Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson tweeted: "Fantastic news #Peterborough awarded a University Technical College from 2015 by Govt. 

14-19 education focusing on construction/ engineering."