New technical college to boost city economy moves step nearer

If approved, the new UTC in Sidney Street will be just one of 18 facilities in the country to offer “highly technical” subjects.

After Sheffield Council has approved the £10m college, which is due to open in September 2013, the move will have to be rubber-stamped by the Government.

Although the authority is providing the land for the site, funding for the UTC itself will come from the Department for Education (DfE).

Council leader Julie Dore said: “It is vitally important that young people have the option to participate in good vocational education on their doorstep.

“The UTC will be a boost to the city’s economy and social wellbeing, and will also mean local businesses can literally grow their own future employees.

“We need a highly skilled workforce with skills that are directly matched to the jobs that are out there now and in the future – this is what the UTC will offer.

“It will not only provide world-class expertise right here in Sheffield, but it will also bring in much needed jobs to the area. This is the boost Sheffield’s economy desperately needs and hopefully the city will be reaping the benefits in just a few years time.”

Last year, the DfE approved Sheffield’s application to move to the “pre-opening stage” in establishing a UTC.

Once the building is completed, it will be transferred to the UTC Trust – made up of local companies including led sponsor Sheffield College, Firth Rixson Ltd and Sheffield Hallam University – which will then pay a “peppercorn” ground rent to the council.

A spokesman for Sheffield Council said that it is hoped the UTC will inspire further regeneration in this area of the city.

They said: “The plan is for the Sheffield UTC to be based in the heart of the Cultural Industry Quarter, just a stone’s throw from Sheffield train station.

“It will be within walking distance of Sheffield College and Sheffield Hallam University as well as many potential future employers.

“It is hoped this in turn will act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area.”

Andrew Cropley, executive director of Sheffield College, said: “As the first of its kind in Yorkshire and the Humber, the Sheffield UTC will train the next generation of young people in the skills that our world-class industries need.

“Securing a location is a major milestone to getting this exciting project off the ground. We believe a UTC will best serve the city and wider region, if it is based at the heart of it.”

The council will not be expected to make any financial commitment to the UTC other than the gift of the land, which was formerly owned by now-defunct development agency Yorkshire Forward.

Sheffield Council’s cabinet committee is now expected to ratify the deal at its meeting next Wednesday, January 25.

Members are also expected to agree to the selection of a council member and a senior officer to sit on the board of the UTC Trust.

It is anticipated that the college would take around 600 students.

Employers in Sheffield would be able to influence all aspects of the UTC, particularly its curriculum, so that the training and education students receive is related to local business needs.

Businesses would also provide work placements, sponsorship opportunities and input into the design of the building.

The coalition Government plans to create more than 20 UTCs across the country by 2014, to deliver practical work-based education to pupils between the ages of 14 and 19.

The first of this new type of school opened last year – the JCB Academy near Burton-on-Trent.