A new survey showing that students at University Technical Colleges are more confident of getting a job than those at secondary schools has been welcomed by the head of UTC Cambridge – which opens in September this year.

The survey by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which questioned 1691 14-18 year-old students across both University Technical Colleges and secondary schools, also showed that more UTC students felt they were job-ready and had gained valuable practical skills.

UTC Cambridge principal Melanie Radford said the survey illustrated the importance of employers’ involvement in University Technical Colleges.

“UTCs focus on providing the skills and education that employers want and the results of the survey prove that students are benefiting from this approach. Thanks to our strong partnership with employers, UTC Cambridge students will be able to learn the essential practical and academic skills that are needed in the workplace,” she said.

The UTC Cambridge will specialise in teaching biomedical and environmental science and technology, teaching GCSEs, A levels and technical qualifications, integrated into industry-led Challenge Projects.

Sponsored by Cambridge University Health Partners and Cambridge Regional College, it is partnered by world-leading organisations, including Napp Pharmaceuticals, the Medical Research Council.and the cleantech industry.

The new survey shows that 88% of UTC students are confident of getting a job when they finish education compared to 75% of students at mainstream schools (75%).

The findings are taken from survey results published by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, founded by Lord Baker and Lord Dearing to promote the concept of university technical colleges.

UTC students are also more confident of being ‘job ready’ when they enter the workplace – 88% said they felt confident of being job ready compared to 67% of students at other mainstream schools, according to the survey.

More than twice as many UTC students feel they have gained business know-how compared to their mainstream school counterparts. And almost 70% of students at UTCs believe they have gained valuable practical skills compared to less than half of students from other schools.

Lord Baker, chair of Baker Dearing Educational Trust, the charity behind UTCs, said: “It is essential that young people have a good understanding of business and are well prepared to join the world of work. These surveys highlight that students at UTCs gain an education that gives them greater confidence and skills that employers value.

“Developing and nurturing an ambitious future workforce will directly contribute to the success of our economy. University Technical Colleges are playing an important role in helping to train the next generation of highly skilled technicians, scientists and engineers.”

Other findings

Students at UTCs are more confident of getting a job that reflects their skills (92% v 77%) and securing a job they will enjoy (87% v 77%)

While half of students at mainstream schools plan on going to university, only one in 10 will be doing an apprenticeship; at UTCs, around three times as many intend to pursue an apprenticeship.

About the surveys

The research for Baker Dearing Educational Trust was carried out by Opinion Matters and directly with students at UTCs in March and April 2014. A sample of 1691, 14-18 year old students were surveyed across both university technical colleges and mainstream schools.

About University Technical Colleges

More than 500 employers support UTCs including Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Network Rail and Microsoft, as well as scores of small and medium-sized businesses. Together with nearly 50 universities they contribute their knowledge as well as offering opportunities to experience the world of work.

UTCs teach one or more technical specialisms that meet the skills shortages in the region. These include: engineering; manufacturing; health sciences; product design; digital technologies; and the built environment.

17 UTCs are open, 33 are approved and there will be 50 open by 2015. When fully operational there will be places for more than 30,000 students.

Students from UTCs stay in full time study, start an apprenticeship, or get a job. So far no student has joined the ranks of the unemployed.

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