Work on new Health Sciences UTC to start

The Health Futures UTC is being sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton, the West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy, with 23 employer and educational partners including NHS Foundation Trusts in the Black Country and Birmingham.

Aimed at 14-19 year-olds it will have a strong focus on science but cover a range of traditional subjects at GSCE and A-Level as well as practical and technical qualifications with a view to providing skills for a career in the NHS or health science and pharmaceutical industries.

The new UTC, which was approved by the Government last year, will be built in High Street, West Bromwich on the former site of Sandwell College and serve 600 pupils and have 60 staff.

It will feature science laboratories, simulation and skills units, a mock hospital ward, a visualisation centre, IT suites, class and seminar rooms, café and a rooftop games area and gym.

The £10m project will be built by BAM Construction and the project is set to be delivered so it can open its doors in September 2015.

A key feature of what the UTC will offer will be the opportunities provided by partners and employers. Students will be involved in employer-led technical challenges and be regularly tested through real-life scenarios, interactive study and the use of simulation technology.

There will also be a big focus on giving students practical skills and experience through community based projects and extra-curricular activities

Professor Linda Lang, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing and UTC project chair, said: “The UTC will be among the first in the country to focus on the health sector and we’re very proud to be working together with so many partners from front line health services to deliver what will be an innovative curriculum.

“The Health Futures UTC will provide students with the skills to take them onto the path to a career in healthcare gained by working closely with employers.

“There is a real shortage of young people with the right skills, professionalism and aspiration that the sector requires and what we will offer will provide students from an early age with the academic and technical skills as well as embedding the key attributes of compassion and care.

“This next stage in the development of the UTC shows our commitment to be a leading light in the provision of healthcare education in the West Midlands.”

Dr Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive Officer for the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “At the heart of the Health Futures University Technical College is a simple vision – to equip our young people with the skills and academic qualifications to give them the best head start possible.  Highly qualified and skilled young people are needed not only in the health sector but by all
businesses.

“We are passionate about providing a first class education for our young people that prepares them for the world of work or higher education.  Specialising at age 14 gives our students distinct advantages beyond traditional schooling pathways. The Health Futures UTC enables students to experience real-life workplace practices and provides young people with opportunities to pursue over 350 different careers with our UTC industry partners, such as the NHS Foundation Trusts.

“It is a real privilege to be a part of this new and innovative UTC. “

The UTC is now recruiting and students for Year 10 and Year 12 places and will serve the communities of Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull and North Worcestershire.

For more information about the Health Future UTC please visit http://www.healthfuturesutc.co.uk/email enquiries@healthfuturesutco.uk or ring 01902 518642.

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on
01902 322003.

Date Issued: Friday 18 July 2014