THE MINISTER for Energy and Climate Change praised the town’s brand new university technical college during a visit on Thursday, May 19, saying youngsters in the town would benefit.

Andrea Leadsom MP joined Warrington South MP David Mowat for a tour of the college, which is still under construction and due to open to students in September.

The UTC will specialise in energy and engineering subjects for students aged 14 to 19 and has already had 235 applications, meaning it will be very close to full capacity in its first year.

Visiting the new Stadium Quarter development site, Andrea Leadsom said: “Warrington has been fantastic, it’s my second time here this year and I’m just really excited by this UTC, it’s going to be great for young people in the town.

“As minister for Energy and Climate Change one of the biggest challenges is meeting the need for skills and as technology improves there are going to be so many job opportunities for young people in Warrington, particularly as it’s a hub for nuclear industries.”

But some schools are concerned that the UTC will threaten their student numbers.

Ms Leadsom said: “I have a UTC in my own constituency at Silverstone and there were similar concerns but ultimately what head teachers want is for students to have more choices.

“We have problems with getting young people to buy into STEM subjects.

“The college has real specialist equipment which in an ordinary school you may not get. That will allow young people to get the best industry training.”

The recent closure of Burnley UTC just three years after it opened due to low student numbers is also a concern for some, but Ms Leadsom said the government's policy had been a success.

“I think it’s always absolutely tragic when schools have to close because of lack of student numbers,” she said.

“But I have met the principal of Warrington UTC and he is very experienced and committed to giving young people the chance to get some practical experience.”

The £10 million college will have room for 620 students and is sponsored by Manchester Metropolitan University and employers from the north west.

Councillor Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that Andrea Leadsom MP was able to visit the UTCW site today and see the progress that Warrington Borough Council is making towards helping to fill the STEM skills gap.”