A new employer-led technical education programme focused on developing future engineering talent is set to launch in Barrow-in-Furness this September, helping manufacturers and other employers address growing skills shortages.
The UTC Sleeve at Walney School will introduce a specialist engineering pathway alongside a healthcare route, giving students the opportunity to combine traditional academic study with practical technical learning designed in partnership with industry.
The initiative aims to strengthen the local engineering talent pipeline at a time when employers across advanced manufacturing, energy and infrastructure sectors continue to face recruitment and skills challenges.
Students on the engineering pathway will learn using industry-standard equipment and in environments designed to reflect modern workplaces, helping them develop technical skills and workplace experience before progressing into apprenticeships, further education or employment.
The programme is based on the model used by University Technical Colleges (UTCs) across England, where students are significantly more likely to move into apprenticeships than their peers in mainstream education.
The launch supports the ambitions of Team Barrow’s 10-year economic strategy, which seeks to ensure local employers have access to the skilled workforce needed to support future growth and investment.
By creating clearer pathways into engineering careers, the UTC Sleeve is expected to help address skills gaps in sectors critical to the area’s economic future while providing young people with greater access to high-quality technical careers.
Subject to formal approval, the Team Barrow partnership has agreed to contribute £1.7m from the Barrow Transformation Fund towards establishing the programme. A final decision is due to be considered by Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet in July.
Walney School was selected as the host for the UTC Sleeve following its recent inclusion within Furness Education Trust and because of its ability to accommodate the specialist facilities required for technical education.
The programme will work closely with employers, universities and education providers to ensure students develop skills aligned with industry requirements. Facilities and resources will also be shared with schools and community partners across the area to help inspire greater interest in engineering and technical careers.
For manufacturers and engineering businesses in Barrow, the UTC Sleeve is expected to create a stronger pipeline of work-ready young people equipped with relevant technical knowledge and a better understanding of modern industry.
The first students are expected to begin the programme at the start of the new academic year.
“The opening of the new UTC Sleeve will be a landmark moment for Baker Dearing and the University Technical College movement.
“UTCs already support thousands of young people into apprenticeships and technical university courses each year, helping them into successful and sustainable careers.
“The UTC Sleeve means more young people will be able to pursue their passion for technical subjects and hands-on learning. Their lives are likely to be transformed by the opportunity provided by their Sleeve to progress to high-paying apprenticeships and jobs.
“I would like to thank Furness Education Trust, Team Barrow and our local employer partners for their support. This UTC Sleeve will deliver huge benefits for the people and employers of Barrow-in-Furness and the north-west.”
Lord Baker, former Education Secretary and Life President of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust.
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