University Technical CollegeA NATIONAL SKILLS ACADEMY IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

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University Technical CollegeA NATIONAL SKILLS ACADEMY IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

What is a UTC? University Technical Colleges are a new concept in education. They offer 14-18 year olds the opportunity to take a highly regarded, full time, technically-oriented course of study.

It offers full time courses which combine practical and academic studies.

Employers are involved from the start in shaping the curriculum and supporting the program of study.

They are equipped to the highest standard, sponsored by a university and offer clear progression routes into higher education or further learning in work.

The students combine hand and mind to learn in a very practical way, integrating national curriculum requirements with the technical and vocational elements.

The UTC ethos and curriculum is heavily influenced by local and national employers who also provide support and work experience for students.

They are sub-regional, taking students from a wide geographical area. This reduces negative impact for any one local school in terms of student roll.

Why we need them. Age 11 is too early to choose a subject path to follow and 16 is too late.

Students who are 13 are making the choice with options but very few understand the pathways they should be taking to step into the Forensic Science sector.

Students who know what they want to do can often become bored at school and so underachieve by the time they are 16.

Why are UTC’s important? University Technical Colleges specialise in subjects that require technical and modern equipment, for example, engineering, product design, health sciences, construction, and land and environmental services.

However they all teach business skills and the use of ICT. The chosen specialism reflects the university's areas of excellence and the needs of employers within the industry.

A fundamental principle of University Technical Colleges is that they do not judge students on their past performance. Students are given new opportunities and new ways of learning which allow them to achieve to a higher level than they may have done before.

How are they different? The colleges are currently developed under the Academy programme so the university does not have to provide the funds required to build a new college or refurbish an existing school or contribute towards the running cost.

The University uses its knowledge and expertise to support the college to, for example, support curriculum development, assistant in the professional development of teachers, and guide suitably qualified students to foundation and full degrees. The sponsor appoints the majority of the college's governors and key members of staff.

"I believe that practical, vocational education is vital for our future prosperity and much greater value should be placed on this educational pathway and those young people who pursue this form of education. University Technical Colleges will provide high quality vocational education and training and will meet the aspirations of many of our young people."

Sir Mike Tomlinson

What do they do?A UTC has a specialist subject area (in our case Forensic Science).

Many have two specialisms e.g. engineering and advanced manufacturing.

With extended hours of learning, more emphasis can be placed on vocational skills in addition to traditional academic studies.

Students still complete their GCSEs in at least English, maths and science combined with a modern foreign language, a humanities subject and practical and technical qualifications which are recognised by employers and universities.

Students can either go onto to a higher level apprenticeship in employment or onto a university. The UTC will help them decide which is the best route for them.

Forensic Education

Why a UTC in Forensic Science Students are leaving school and attending University with the misconception that a degree in Forensic Science will ensure they are propelled into the industry.

As we know this is seldom the case with high numbers of students qualifying but few job openings currently available.

Most Universities and Colleges offer a version of a qualification in Forensic Science, many off multiple qualifications.

We want to:

Improve understanding of Forensic Sciences.

Increase participation in STEM.

Show learners of all abilities they can achieve.

Encourage both the logistical and judicial chains to gain further understanding of the industry by completing qualifications and apprenticeships that will enhance their professions, and the sector, encouraging growth and innovation from the very beginning of their studies .

Become a Sponsor We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to join us in

addressing the need for good technical and practical education. Could your company help by:

Shaping the curriculum

Providing work experience or apprentice opportunities

Asking our students to work with you on a ‘live’ project

Mentoring students throughout their time with us

Offering specialist facilities within your business that could inform and inspire our students to pursue a career or further study in Forensic Science

Assisting in the appointment of staff with the required specialist knowledge and experience in this industry sector

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please click here to get in touch.

"I’m absolutely clear that every child should have the option of beginning study for a craft or trade from the age of 14, but that this should be complemented by a base of core academic knowledge.

And the new generation of University Technical Colleges will help secure this route. UTCs are a fantastic innovation"

The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education

What’s in it for the Employer? Employers play a major part in UTC’s.

They help plan what students are going to learn and ensure that the qualifications students gain are what employers require.

They also meet the students on work placements in order to get to know them.

Employers are encouraged to get to know students thus enhancing the student / employer relationship.

Building the workforce of the future, with the training and qualifications you need them to have.

"The UK CES Employer Skills Survey confirms that organisations find it hard to recruit the skilled people they need. It also claims skills shortages are getting worse and may be holding back the UK's economic recovery. Such deficiencies have persisted over time in some sectors and occupations making the need for home grown talent greater than ever.

This underlines the importance of new opportunities at 14+, led and supported by employers.

University Technical Colleges are leading the way by offering high-quality science, engineering and technical education alongside core subjects such as English and maths."

Lord Baker, Chairman of Baker Dearing Educational Trust

Vision The National Skills Academy in Forensic Science, otherwise known as Ashton under Lyne UTC, will be an innovative, dynamic, employment-led environment which will prepare young people to become highly skilled employees of the future through the integration of business with education.

Mission Build productive relationships in the Forensic Science industry to create relevant and integrated learning experiences Develop professional and motivated students and staff who will proactively represent the values and ethos of the UTC Enable our students to achieve their full potential and be successful in life, learning and their future careers

Values Exceeding expectations Can do attitude Mutual respect in all that we do Integrity, honest and openness Valuing difference Goal driven one team approach

Governance The Governing Body of the UTC will act as the critical friend of the Principal and senior leadership team, providing support and challenge. Governors have a range of duties and powers and a general responsibility for the conduct of the UTC with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

•providing a strategic view of the UTC by establishing a vision and setting the purpose and aims of the school

•ensuring the quality of educational provision

•setting targets for pupil achievement

•challenging and monitoring the performance of the academy

•making sure the curriculum is balanced and broadly based

•ensuring good financial health and probity

•appointing staff including the Principal

•reviewing staff performance and pay

Governance In fulfilling these responsibilities an effective governing body will:

•help the UTC to set high standards by planning for its future and setting targets for improvement;

•keep the pressure up on school improvement;

•be a critical friend to the UTC, offering support and advice;

•help the UTC respond to the needs of parents and the community;

•make the UTC accountable to the public for what it does;

•work with the UTC on planning, developing policies and keeping these under review;

•exercise its responsibilities and powers in partnership with the Principal and staff;

•not intervene in the day-to-day management of the UTC unless there are weaknesses, when it then has a duty to take action.

Funding Initially £10m is available from capital funds to develop the UTC.

Additionally £1m is available to equip it.

Employers and Sponsors are encouraged to support specialist equipment requirements where possible, but it is not essential.

Ongoing funding of University Technical Colleges come under the academies programme, from where they obtain funding after receiving DfE approval.

Partners? We are looking for a firm commitment from you today to sign up and register your organisations interest in this UTC.

We require a University, and Employers within the sector. The employers should come from the whole supply chain, not just those within Forensic Providers.

Young people need to learn business skills which you all can deliver with the UTC.

We are hoping a leading local College will enhance our application with their involvement.

With the involvement of law enforcement we aim to change the landscape for professionals within their scientific units by increasing learning before application, including apprenticeships.

We have commitments of support from:

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (TMBC)

Complete Forensics C.I.C. Ethos Forensics The Phoenix Free School Oldham

Any Questions?

If you have questions you are free to ask them now or during the coffee break to follow.

Thank You Please use the forms on the side table to register your interest and / or involvement with us.

Alternatively please visit www.completeforensics.org/utcregister

The brochure you have is available from the same web page. This interactive version will be updated as more organisations join with us.

It will also highlight our progress through the application procedure.