Leeds City Region business leaders set to officially open UTC Leeds

Civic and business leaders from Leeds will join former Education Secretary Lord Baker at the official opening of the new £11m University Technical College in the city.

Located on Hunslet Road, in Leeds South Bank, UTC Leeds specialises in advanced manufacturing and engineering skills.

The school opened its doors to students in early September but the official opening will bring together guests including Leeds City Council Leader Judith Blake, local MPs, contractors, sponsors and businesspeople.

Lord Baker, chairman of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust which develops and promotes the UTC concept throughout the UK, will speak at the event.

The school, for 14-19 year olds, is partnered with more than 60 businesses across the Leeds City Region including manufacturers and engineering companies such as Siemens, Unilever and Agfa.

The University of Leeds is also a partner and has helped to mould the curriculum so that students are prepared for entry to employment or university.

Mark Kennedy, principal of UTC Leeds said: “We are immensely proud of the facilities here at UTC Leeds.

“The school offers a first class educational experience and I’m looking forward to showing guests around this unique building. We’ve managed to combine state-of-the-art educational environment with the city’s proud manufacturing heritage and it really is a credit to all involved.”

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, added: “The opening of UTC Leeds is a huge step forward for the city and the manufacturing sector in the Leeds city region.

’It opens up great career opportunities for young people and will help to bridge the skills gap, which is a major challenge for the sector.“

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