Brunel to sponsor new University Technical College for aviation engineering

The Department of Education has approved the foundation of a new University Technical College (UTC) specialising in aviation engineering, which will be sponsored by Brunel University.

The Heathrow Aviation Engineering UTC aims to meet the growing local need for technically competent, employable young people to join the expanding aviation industry. Along with 14 other new UTCs, it will provide a practical grounding in mathematics, science and engineering for young people aged between 14 and 19 from a wide geographical area.

Each College is sponsored by a university along with local employers and industry specialists, who will help to provide work placements, supply guest speakers and develop a highly focused curriculum. Brunel will work with partners including BAA, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and other major businesses to provide practical assistance in the form of input to curriculum development and delivery as well as Widening Participation and Schools Liaison activities. No financial input is required.

The Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Jenks said: “Brunel University is firmly committed to supporting this initiative, in order to ensure that the Heathrow Aviation Engineering UTC is a high quality addition to 14-19 education in West London.”

The initiative is being led by Queensmead and Northwood Schools, in the north of the London Borough of Hillingdon. The Heathrow Aviation Engineering UTC will open in September 2013, on the Northwood School site.