A fifth of 18-year-olds who left a University Technical College in 2024 progressed onto an apprenticeship, new figures have revealed.
The Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which founded and supports England’s 44-strong UTC network, has published what destinations UTC leavers progressed to after finishing Year 13 this summer.
Two-thirds of the apprenticeships secured by UTC leavers were at higher or degree level, and a further 15 per cent of leavers progressed to other employment.
Apprenticeships were the most popular destination for UTC leavers who had studied T Levels: 43 per cent progressed to an apprenticeship, versus 36 per cent for university.
Almost 1,500 young people are now studying a T Level qualification at a UTC, demonstrating how the schools have become centres of excellence for delivery of the flagship technical qualifications.
The data demonstrates how the UTC network is piping skilled, work-ready young people into UK industries.
UTCs also supported a number of leavers to university and 72 per cent of those leavers chose a science, technology, engineering, or maths course.
Compared to 13 per cent nationally, just five per cent of this year’s UTC leavers are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
This set of destinations data is the latest sign of the UTC programme’s growing success.
Eighty four per cent of UTCs are now rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and a record 21,000 students are enrolled across the programme.
UTCs deliver a technical education curriculum aligned to the needs of their local industry, with each UTC specialising in subjects including engineering, health, digital skills and creative media.
Each UTC is founded with employer partners, who help design the curriculum and deliver placements and projects for students. Through these strong partnerships, employers frequently engage with students who then progress onto apprenticeships and careers with those companies.
Chief Executive of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust Simon Connell commented:
“We are proud of the highly positive destinations achieved by the young people who left their UTC this summer.
“The strong employer partnerships that form the foundations of each UTC have helped thousands of students over the years to progress to apprenticeships, technical university courses, and other employment.
“The UTC programme has also helped provide a steady pipeline of talent into key industries such as advanced manufacturing and the creative sector, helping drive growth in the UK.”
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