Work has started on a state-of-the-art educational establishment which will equip the teenage manufacturers and engineers of tomorrow with world class skills.
UTC Leeds is due to open in September 2016 in the heart of a fast-growing education hub off Hunslet Road in the city centre, offering students a high quality education focused on Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing.
Main contractor BAM Construction will oversee development of the 5200m² cutting edge college which will eventually provide 600 students with an education focussing on core academic qualifications as well as technical knowledge and skills.
UTC Leeds is sponsored by The University of Leeds, major manufacturers including Agfa Graphics, Siemens and Unilever and business organisations such as the EEF and Leeds Chamber of Commerce.
It is the first UTC in the Leeds City Region and will offer high-tech, cutting-edge facilities to equip students with the skills and knowledge to successfully pursue careers in advanced manufacturing, science and engineering. It will also have a mini-factory as well as classrooms and lecture-style theatres for its pupils aged 14-18.
The UTC will be located in the west wing of the Braime Pressings factory, situated close to Leeds City College Printworks campus, Leeds College of Building and the new Ruth Gorse Academy. Braime Pressings has a 125 year history in engineering excellence.
Applications are now open and students interested in careers in manufacturing and engineering are urged to visit www.utcleeds.com and download the prospectus and apply online. UTC Leeds has a target for at least 30% of students to be female and teenage girls are encouraged to apply.
There will be 105 places available for the first intake of Year 10 students and 120 places for Year 12 students.
Mark Kennedy, principal designate for the new UTC, said: “This is a major milestone for the UTC and moves us a significant step closer to our opening in September 2016.
“Our wider relationship with industry and commerce puts us in the driving seat when it comes to helping young people develop the advanced technical skills needed by UK industry.”
UTC Leeds is currently holding a series of pop up events to meet potential students and parents. The next one is scheduled for 25th November at the Merrion Shopping Centre in Leeds between 9am and 5pm.
For more information about UTC Leeds or the survey visit www.utcleeds.com
