Lord Sugar officially opened the University Technical College of Tottenham (TUTC) in north London on 9 March. The face of BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ and founder of Amstrad met students aged 14-18 studying a curriculum of science and technology for sport, health and engineering and was shown around the new facility, which is equipped with more than £1m’s worth of robotics and university-standard machinery.
Based on the site of Tottenham’s sport-led regeneration scheme, TUTC provides students with an opportunity to study for future employment and aims to address a skills gap within an industry which, according to government figures, requires 2.5 million engineers within the next seven years to contribute an extra £27 billion per year to the UK economy.
Supported by businesses from a range of industries, including Tottenham Hotspur FC, Middlesex University, Stansted Airport, Festo, National Instruments, Mindsets and Fusion, students can progress into careers within fields such as sports science, product design and mechanical engineering.
“You cannot fail to be impressed by what the University Technical College of Tottenham offers to its students – a fantastic learning environment with an opportunity for students to get the skills they need to build a successful career,” said Lord Sugar. “The equipment that the students have at their disposal on a daily basis and the things they are able to do with it is truly mind-blowing, and I am convinced that we shall see future entrepreneurs and industry leaders come through this college.
“As a Spurs fan, I am doubly delighted my club has made this happen and that it represents the first part of the new stadium development. I grew up just down the road from here and often hear about how young people from this area do not have the opportunity to succeed – but this proves otherwise. One of the most impressive educational facilities I have ever seen is on your doorstep.”
TUTC is currently recruiting students in year 10 and 12 for the coming academic year. The curriculum focuses on real-life work projects, providing access to future employment and an opportunity to move on to university, further education, apprenticeships and work placements.
Deborah Ramm-Harpley, principal of TUTC, said: “We are proud to provide the most innovative educational offering in north London. Our message to students is that they can become the next generation of north London’s engineers, scientists and sports analysts who will one day reshape our world. This UTC is at the very heart of the regeneration of Tottenham’s vibrant community and will equip those who come through its doors with the education, skills, training and experience needed to open up pathways leading to careers.”
Lord Baker, chairman of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which developed the concept of university technical colleges, added: “I am very pleased to have joined Lord Sugar and the students, staff, sponsors and governors to mark the University Technical College of Tottenham’s official opening. TUTC is an impressive and dynamic institution that is playing a crucial role in the development and regeneration of this part of London. The students are wonderful ambassadors for the UTC and are thriving in an environment that combines an academic, technical and practical education within the technology, science, engineering and sports and health sectors. There is an urgent need for technical skills at all levels in these sectors.”