- Baroness Jacqui Smith visited Birmingham to see Aston University Engineering Academy
- Part of Birmingham University Technical College (UTC), 96% of its students go on to higher education, apprenticeships or employment
- During the minister’s tour she met with staff and students.
The minister for skills has visited Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) to learn more about its teaching and learning.
Baroness Jacqui Smith visited the school to find out more about the Birmingham University Technical College (UTC) which is made up of AUEA and Aston University Sixth Form and Aston University Maths School (AUMS), currently classed as in 'pre-opening' phase.
The school has a successful track record as 96% of its students go on to higher education, apprenticeships or employment, and 69% progress directly into university studies, a third of which study at Aston University.
Baroness Smith visited on Thursday 28 November and was given a tour by executive principal Daniel Locke-Wheaton, which included a new building recently acquired to manage the increase in student numbers since it opened in 2012. She also viewed facilities unique to Birmingham UTC, such as equipment for teaching T Levels in optometry and a new jewellery skills training centre which offers students design-based training, including a dedicated level 3 jewellery manufacturing qualification.
The minister said: “The collaboration happening under one roof at Aston University Sixth Form and Engineering Academy UTC is exactly what I want to see more of. By delivering high quality further education options like T Levels as well as higher education, universities can break down barriers to opportunity and cement their status as engines of growth through teaching skills that will be essential for fixing the foundations of our economy in key sectors like engineering. Through work like this universities like Aston University are anchors in their communities, and others should take note.”
The minister met current Aston University students who had attended the UTC, alongside Aston Students’ Union representatives. They discussed the positive experiences students had in pursuing an employer-backed, industry-focused technical education and the way in which attending a UTC eased their transition into higher education.
Daniel Locke-Wheaton said: “We were honoured to host Baroness Smith at AUEA to see how UTCs have not only embraced T-Levels alongside our technical qualifications, but through our extensive relationships with employers and Aston University have developed unique pathways into industry for our incredible young people equipping them with the extensive specialist knowledge for life and skills for the future.”
The visit was joined by Professor Osama Khan, deputy vice-chancellor (academic) of Aston University, the sponsor of the UTC. Professor Khan said:
“It was wonderful to join my AUEA colleagues on this visit from Baroness Smith. With the establishment of Skills England and the reforms to higher education proposed by the Secretary of State for Education, this is a critical juncture in the skills landscape.
“Today we have been able to show the power of technical education, and the student success that can be achieved when schools, further education and higher education institutions work together. Skill levels cannot be seen in isolation – we must consider and support students through their entire educational journey if we want to see real success.
“I also took the opportunity to share with the minister the establishment of Aston Professional as a skills-based professional education provider for the region and wider UK.”
Baker Dearing Educational Trust deputy chief executive Kate Ambrosi added:
"It was a privilege to support Baroness Smith's visit to Aston University Engineering Academy.
“AUEA is an exemplar of the high-quality, employer-led technical education that UTCs are delivering across the country.
“AUEA ably demonstrated the strong links UTC have with employers and trade organisations, such as the NHS and The Goldsmiths' Company. The University Technical College is also well supported by its lasting relationship with Aston University."
- Notes to editors
Notes to Editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk