University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are a relatively new concept in education, and are designed to offer 14-19 year-olds an opportunity to take full time, technically oriented courses. The Daventry UTC for new Technologies is planned to open by 2013 and will cater for up to 600 pupils.
It will specialise in a vocational curriculum in sustainable construction and related new technologies, alongside the core GCSE subjects of English, maths, science and a wide range of sport and enrichment activities.
It will become part of a national network of University Technical Colleges (UTC) as proposed by Lord Baker and the late Ron Dearing of the Baker-Dearing Educational Trust.
Moulton College is the lead sponsor for this flagship government-funded project, a Beacon College known for providing outstanding education, and is co-sponsored by the University of Northampton. Other key partners include Daventry District Council and Northamptonshire County Council, West Northants Development Corporation and the Daventry Learning Partnership, which includes Moulton and Northampton Colleges and the William Parker and Danetre secondary schools.
The UTC facility will allow pupils to specialise in a vocational curriculum in sustainable new technologies, alongside the core GCSE subjects of English, maths, science and a wide range of sport and enrichment activities.
Students will have the opportunity to work with Moulton College and The University of Northampton, as well as gain valuable work experience with local and national industry provided by employers such as Cummins Ltd, Cosworth, DHL, ProLogis, Hiforce and SDC. The initiative is seen by project leaders as vital in raising the aspirations of young people and developing a creative and innovative workforce for the region and beyond.
