Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Housing Minister, has welcomed the plans for a new University Training College (UTC) specialising in construction in her constituency in Wolverhampton.West Midlands Construction UTC will take over the site of the old Springfield Brewery in Heath Town. Subject to planning permission, construction of the new college will begin this summer and students will move in during September 2016. Until then the college will occupy temporary premises in the old Northicote School in Bushbury. The first students will be admitted in September 2015. The college will teach students from Years 10 to 13. Alongside GCSEs and A-levels they will study a Design, Build and Innovate curriculum spending between 40% and 60% of their time working with local employers, using industry standard equipment, and gaining technical qualifications. The college is sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton and the Construction Industry Training Board and has partnerships with builders such as Redrow and Barratt.

Emma said “I welcome the progress which is being made on the plans for a new Construction University Technical College in my constituency. It is fantastic news for young people in Wolverhampton.”

“Construction is 7% of the British economy and it is vital we train more young people with the skills to work in this industry. I am delighted that the University of Wolverhampton and construction firms are working together to train young people.”

“This new UTC will give local young people a huge opportunity to make a career in this successful industry. It will also make Wolverhampton the first port of call for builders wanting to hire new staff.”

“As Shadow Housing Minister I am particularly delighted that the construction workers of the future will be trained in my constituency.”

February 2015