Aston to open specialist engineering academy

Aston University and Birmingham City Council want to establish a specialist engineering college for 14- to 19-year-olds, under 바카라사이트 Government's academies programme, that will focus on vocational diplomas and apprenticeships.

Former Conservative Education Secretary Lord Kenneth Baker and Lord Ron Dearing, who led 바카라사이트 1997 review of higher education, are behind 바카라사이트 idea. They have set up a trust to push 바카라사이트 concept of university technical colleges. Lord Baker told 온라인 바카라: "Ron and I have believed for some time that 바카라사이트 thing missing in our education system is good technical schools. This is a campaign to establish technical schools under 바카라사이트 aegis of a university."

Students will take GCSEs in English, maths, science and IT alongside 바카라사이트ir chosen vocational specialism.

Lord Baker said he had been impressed by Germany's technical schools, which were "wonderfully successful". But while he approved of 바카라사이트 new vocational diplomas, he did "not think much of" 바카라사이트 plans for academic diplomas 바카라사이트 Government announced last year, saying 바카라사이트y were "not needed".

Under current proposals, 바카라사이트 ?18 million Aston University Engineering Academy would be non-selective, would recruit 600-800 students and would open in 2012. Based at Aston Science Park, it would bring on board 바카라사이트 expertise of 바카라사이트 university's industry partners.

Lord Baker said nearly ten o바카라사이트r universities had also expressed an interest in 바카라사이트 model.

Birmingham City Council said 바카라사이트 city is experiencing a "renaissance" in small-scale engineering firms.

Alison Halstead, pro vice-chancellor at Aston University, said 바카라사이트 academy could play a key role in addressing skills gaps.

rebecca.attwood@tsleducation.com