CREWE's £10 million University Technical College had its official opening today.

The Engineering and Design UTC will look to mould the next generation of engineers, innovators, technicians and designers.

More than 200 students, governors, staff and employer partners took part in a unique induction today. 

Working in mixed teams of 10, groups competing against each other in a series of dynamic and creative engineering challenges.

David Terry, Crewe Engineering and Design UTC principal, said: “This is a great moment for Crewe and for the young people in the area as our new and exciting UTC opens in the heart of the town.

“Through the commitment of the employers, the University and the UTC working in partnership, students will be exposed to a unique learning experience with an impressive range of engineering and design opportunities.

“Our aim has been to create a truly inspirational school that will allow individuals to achieve their personal ambitions and will create the engineering community of the future.”

“Crewe Engineering and Design UTC will be there every step of the way for students through the key stages of their education and helping to provide a clear learning path either through further education, university or the workplace.”

“We are delighted and thrilled to see the hard work of so many dedicated partners come to life today."

Edward Timpson, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, is delighted to see the UTC finally come to fruition.

He said: “I couldn’t be more pleased to be here at the Crewe Engineering and Design UTC at the start of its life — a project that I have invested a huge amount of time and effort campaigning for in Westminster. Meeting the students and staff has been thrilling.

“It’s great to see such a range of support from serious engineering firms with an interest in our area, and a genuine desire from them to develop and educate local talent that will work in their businesses in the years to come.

“I can’t wait to meet the UTC’s first graduates out in the workplace in the not too distant future.”

The UTC is supported by Manchester Metropolitan University and employer partners including Bentley Motors, OSL, Siemens, Bosch, Network Rail, Air Products, James Walker, Chevron Racing, LEONI and Optical 3D.

The school specialises in STEM subjects, offering industry-oriented courses, and combines the National Curriculum, Technical Award Qualifications, work experience and business acumen to cultivate clear routes into rewarding employment, apprenticeships or Higher Education.

Cllr Bailey said the UTC reflects the council’s commitment to deliver engineering skills in east Cheshire.

She said: “The UTC is a really exciting initiative and will be a flagship educational institution providing and nurturing the skills and experience of our young people for generations to come.

“The council is fully behind the UTC and we are supporting our partners to empower young people with the confidence and skills to match the needs of Cheshire East’s growing modern economy.

“This news comes at a time of extremely positive developments continuing in Crewe.

“I am confident that the presence of a new engineering specialist college will be of great benefit to the town with the arrival of HS2 leading to more employment opportunities contributing to this vital part of our economy.”