Ford is supporting the launch of a new University Technical College (UTC) at the Dagenham-based Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME). Known as Elutec, the new college of design and engineering is a UTC for East London and Essex for 14-19 year olds looking for an alternative education path specialising in engineering, design and technology. Elutec will open in September 2014.
UTCs are a new type of college supported by the Department of Education to provide stronger educational focus on ‘real world’ practical-based learning. A showcase event took place at CEME on July 20 to inform prospective students and their parents about Elutec including the chance to meet the newly appointed principal, Ruth Umerah.
The college is sponsored by University College London (UCL), which will provide input and direction to the education content and approach. Together with CEME, the Prospects Learning Foundation (Prospects) and UCL, Ford aims to support Elutec’s mission to be both the first choice for students in the area that wish to pursue a career or interest in engineering and for employers, based on the school’s reputation and results.
Ford has two representatives on the governing body of Elutec. Ford engineers will also assist with the development of two curriculum modules involving practical and theoretical study as well as in the delivery of certain modules. This will be reinforced by offering plant and location tours for students at the nearby Ford Dagenham Diesel Centre and the Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Essex to provide an insight into real-world and high-tech manufacturing and design.
Paula Leach, Head of Learning and Development, Ford of Britain said: “Ford strongly supports the principle of the University Technical College. Achieving robust qualifications while also concentrating on engineering and technical disciplines will inspire the next generation to be part of excellence in engineering.”
For more information, visit: http://www.elutec.co.uk/
Leave a Reply