First day of term begins at Leeds' new £11m University Technical College

The doors officially opened today (Monday 12th) at the £11m University Technical College in Leeds.

UTC Leeds is the first school of its kind in the Leeds City Region to specialise in advanced manufacturing and engineering skills.

Attended by 14-19 year olds, the school combines traditional academic subjects with hands-on work projects.

The £11m school will equip students with the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in jobs across the engineering, manufacturing and tech industries.

Throughout today, students will meet with some of the partnering businesses during a series of factory trips, as well as taking part in a lecture at the University of Leeds.

BAM Construction, the project’s main contractor, oversaw the development of the 5200m² college.

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.

Mark Kennedy, principal of UTC Leeds said: “Today has been a successful day, and students have already had the chance to meet our partner companies.

“This is an exciting time for the region, and we look forward to seeing our students progress with the help of our partners and teachers.”

Coun Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, added: “It’s fantastic news for the manufacturing sector in Leeds and the wider city region that, after so much hard work by all the partners involved, UTC Leeds is now open.”

Applications are now open for Year 10 and Year 12 students starting in September 2017.