Engineering news
Derby's University Technical College has welcomed this week's launch of the Your Life campaign by the government, which aims to demonstrate career paths made possible by studying science and maths.
The campaign, launched by education secretary Nicky Morgan, aims to raise participation in science, maths and physics A-levels by 50% in three years, to ensure Britain is equipped with the skills it needs for today’s fast changing employment landscape.
Technical, analytical and logic skills are increasingly required in all industries from manufacturing and engineering to fashion and films. There is an annual shortfall of 40,000 workers with the necessary scientific and mathematical skills.
Derby Manufacturing University Technical College (UTC) opens to the first 180 students in years ten and 12 in September next year, who will be based at the purpose-built campus in Pride Park. UTCs are technical secondary schools for 14-18 year olds. They offer a broad curriculum that combines an academic education with technical and practical learning. The colleges integrate technical, practical and academic learning. They are intended to use the latest equipment and technology to provide an environment where students can thrive, and develop the skills employers need. The colleges teach one or more technical specialisms that meet skills shortages in the region. These include engineering, manufacturing, product design, and the built environment.
Thirty UTCs are open and there will be more than 50 by 2016. When fully operational there will be places for more than 30,000 students.
Philip Morris, Derby UTC principal designate, said: “We are supporting the Your Life campaign to ensure that as many young people as possible can get the skills they need in science and maths.
“The UTC will be helping local young people to pursue top-level technical careers that require science and maths skills. Employers are closely involved and give our students the chance to participate in real-life projects, get experience of work and get an insight into the roles they might pursue in the future.”
Education secretary Nicky Morgan said this week that only 19% of girls who achieved an A* in GCSE physics went on to study the subject at A-level. She the figure for boys was better, but still under 50%. Fewer than two thirds of girls who achieved an A* in maths went on to study it at A-level. She said the government had already made “significant progress” in terms of Stem. “At A-level, we now have 1,000 more girls studying physics every year – and 2,000 more girls studying maths – compared to 2010.
“Our most recent A-level results show that for the first time maths is now the most popular A-level subject, accounting for 10.7% of entries, compared to 10.5% for English.” She added that the proportion of A-level entries which were in biology, chemistry and physics had increased too. Morgan said Stem subjects were not “stuffy, boring subjects for people who don't get outdoors much”. “Far from it – they're the keys to the most cutting edge fast-paced areas of work and they're behind some of the most exciting new developments in this country and around the world.”