UTCs are state-funded schools, just like many thousands of others around the country, so they are free for students to attend. UTCs mainly specialise in Science, Technology and Engineering, and students start at Key Stage 4, joining at 13- or 14-years-of-age and going through to the end of Sixth Form.

At UTCs, young people learn many of the same subjects as students at other schools, such as maths, English, and sciences. However, UTC students prepare for technical qualifications as well, such as product design, engineering, and digital. In addition, time is made available during the school day to study other subjects, such as geography, history, or a foreign language.

The choice of technical subjects offered at a UTC depends on its specialisms, of which most UTCs have two. Such specialisms could be engineering and digital, or health and creative media. A UTC’s specialisms are chosen at the outset by the employer partners who help to establish the UTC. Other facets of a UTC education, such as project-based learning in which employers contribute components of the curriculum, employer mentoring, and work experience, are all linked to the specialist subjects offered by the UTC.

Employers are at the heart of every UTC. This is also true for universities. Most young people leaving UTCs either progress to university or go onto the world of work, in an apprenticeship or in a job. By working closely with a UTC, employers and universities get to know young people at the school before recruiting them, almost affording them a long but friendly and supportive interview process. At the same time, this interaction enables UTC students to make informed decisions about their next steps.

In order for UTCs to excel in providing technical qualifications and training, they are fortunate to have industry-standard equipment. This ensures that young people really do learn how to use the up-to-date software and equipment which employers are using right now. All UTCs are in newly- and purpose-built premises, with outstanding facilities and equipment that has been chosen in conjunction with industry leaders.

Strong employer and university engagement enable UTCs to focus on ensuring that students reach their optimal destinations. In addition to academic and technical qualifications, UTCs nurture the attitudes, such as a positive mindset, and aptitudes, such as problem-solving and teamwork, which every employer seeks. As a result, UTC students are very often at the ‘front of the queue’ for popular university courses, or for competitive apprenticeships.