Member Article

HRH The Duke of York opens Burnley’s new UTC

Burnley’s new £10.3m University Technical College (UTC), providing young people with vital engineering and construction skills, has been officially opened by HRH The Duke of York, KG.

The Duke was joined by the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Frank, The Chief Executive of Burnley Council Steve Rumbelow, and Burnley and Pendle MPs Gordon Birtwistle and Andrew Stephenson.

The Duke said: “The project here at University Technical College is providing the young people with excellent education and training.

“It is important for people to realise that we actually learn more by experiencing activities and seeing things and feeling things. We use our senses in order to learn. I think the opportunities that the young students have here are outstanding and I would encourage more people to go out to talk to friends and colleagues and suggest this as a new learning avenue for them.

“I think it is absolutely fantastic that you have been able to regenerate part of the Weavers Triangle and use part of this wonderful mill as your base. It has huge room for expansion and I am really impressed with the development and the work that has gone on.”

The Duke met learners working on projects demonstrating 3D printing, joinery, precision engineering, and a miniature Formula 1 race track with model cars made by the learners, which he enjoyed immensely.

The Duke was presented with a set of golf tees made by the learners in the engineering workshop. Elliott Sutcliffe aged 17, was among those involved in the visit, said: “I really enjoy being at the UTC.

“It has given me a fantastic opportunity that I would never have had in my previous school, such as working alongside employers who have given me real insight into the world of work. I like the fact that that we are treated in an adult manner and encouraged to take responsibility for ourselves”.

Martin Callagher, managing director of the UTC said: “We are grateful to Prince Andrew for taking the time to come here today to mark this occasion and delighted he has been able to join us. The Duke is a great ambassador for enterprise-focussed education and will be a great promoter of the opportunities we offer”.

Council Leader, Julie Cooper said; “Our ambition is to make Burnley a regionally significant centre for advanced manufacturing and engineering excellence.

“To achieve this it is important we provide the opportunities for our younger generation to gain the skills needed to grow these sectors and create jobs for the future and the superb facilities in the new UTC in Burnley will do just that.

“Burnley has a strong manufacturing base making parts for the world’s largest aircraft and fastest cars and with the skills and infrastructure in place we plan to substantially grow this sector”.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .