Burnley's UTC described as 'jewel in crown'

Burnley’s University Technical College (UTC) was the talk of the floor in the House of Commons during question time with the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills.

The Minister of State for Skills and Equalities, Nick Boles MP, responded saying “UTC’s are crucial, and we have more coming through the pipeline. The Burnley UTC is absolutely a jewel in the crown.”

“Careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing can open up opportunities for work across the globe. Engineering and technology are where it’s at. What other fields give you as many opportunities to design, create, and build things that could have a huge impact on the world and the UTC’s are developing the much needed skills in engineering.

Burnley Council leader Mark Townsend said: “Burnley has a strong manufacturing base, making parts for the world’s largest planes and fastest cars, and we need to ensure we create the engineers for the future. Our ambition is to make Burnley a regionally significant centre for advanced manufacturing and engineering excellence, and to achieve this it is important we provide the opportunities for our younger generation to gain the skills needed to grow these sectors and create jobs for the future and the superb facilities in the new UTC in Burnley will do just that. “I’m delighted Burnley is being talked about for our superb facilities at the highest levels. Burnley is leading the way in developing skills and its economy.”