Funding bid to be submitted for city’s new technical college

At present, construction of the city’s first UTC – the first of its kind in Yorkshire – is under way, and it is set to open to pupils aged 14 to 19 in September.

The second UTC would specialise in sports and life sciences, and a bid for funding will be made to the Government by October

Meanwhile, the first UTC in Shoreham Street will specialise in advanced engineering and the creative and digital sectors.

Coun Jackie Drayton, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for children, said: “I am delighted the selection process has resulted in an outstanding sponsor who has served the city well in setting up the first UTC.

“Young people are our future and we need to make sure every opportunity to help them succeed has been explored. Having a second UTC can only help with this process. I have every confidence that Sheffield College will lead an excellent bid.”

Chief executive of Sheffield
College, Heather MacDonald, added: “We are committed to
providing the qualifications
and jobs training that young
people and regional employers need.

“This latest decision follows our success in being the lead sponsor for getting Yorkshire’s first UTC off the ground.”

Under government rules, the UTC submission has to be made by a sponsor.

Invitations went out to education and training providers in Sheffield to apply.

A panel, chaired by MP Richard Caborn, considered the applications and decided unanimously that Sheffield College should
be invited to be the lead
sponsor.

Nationally, five UTCs are already open and 27 more – including the one in Sheffield – are set to open in 2013 or 2014.