In the House of Commons today, Education Secretary Lucy Powell recognised the role of UTCs in progressing young people to positive destinations, in answer to a question from Crewe and Nantwich’s Connor Naismith MP about the work of Crewe Engineering & Design UTC.

The minister said: “UTCs have provided a pathway for some young people to go into apprenticeships or other study… but it is not on a scale that we need to have. That is why we need more technical and vocational pathways for all young people, not just for those who can get into UTCs.”

Powell also referenced filming a video with Crewe UTC alumni Ed Harry during her recent visit to Ed’s workplace Alstom. Ed spoke about his experience as a T Level student and how his 45-day work placement prepared him for the workplace. Ed added that starting technical education at 14 “helps massively push people into jobs. Well-paid jobs as well. Some people don’t want to go to university, they want to kick on into the world. It changed my life and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.” 

Thank you to Connor Naismith MP for highlighting the work of Crewe UTC and thanks to the Secretary of State for her support.