Ford has announced that it is supporting the launch of a new University Technical College (UTC) at the Dagenham-based Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME).
Known as Elutec, the new college of design and engineering is a UTC for East London and Essex for 14-19 year olds looking for an alternative education path that specialises in engineering, design and technology.
The college is sponsored by University College London (UCL), which will provide input and direction to the education content and approach. Ford aims to support Elutec’s mission to be the first choice for students in the area that wish to pursue a career or interest in engineering and for employers, based on the school’s reputation and results.
Ford engineers will assist with the development of two curriculum modules, involving practical and theoretical study, and will aid in the delivery of certain modules. This will be reinforced by offering plant and location tours for students at the nearby Ford Dagenham Diesel Centre and the Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Essex to provide an insight into real-world and high-tech manufacturing and design. Ford has two representatives on the governing body of Elutec, which will open in September 2014.
Paula Leach, Head of Learning and Development at Ford of Britain, said, “Ford strongly supports the principle of the University Technical College. Achieving robust qualifications while also concentrating on engineering and technical disciplines will inspire the next generation to be part of excellence in engineering”.
