University of Cumbria joins pioneering initiative to create career pathways for young people in Barrow

Barrow school Walney Academy has launched a Technical Education Centre, working with major local employers, Team Barrow, and a national school’s programme led by technical education charity, the Baker Dearing Educational Trust. 

A University Technical College (UTC) Sleeve, the £2m facility will provide world-class technical education in engineering and healthcare for young people at the 11-16 school. 

The innovative UTC Sleeve model brings together schools, employers and higher education to help address regional skills needs and improve opportunities for young people. 

The initiative reflects the university's commitment to Partnering for Our Future, working alongside education providers, businesses and communities to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and opportunities they need to succeed while supporting regional economic growth. 

University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell DL said: “The launch of this new UTC is an important investment in the future of the Furness area and its young people. By creating clear pathways from technical education into skilled employment and/or higher education, it will help learners realise their potential while supporting the development of the highly skilled workforce that local employers and our region need to thrive. 

“At the University of Cumbria, our Towards 2030 strategy is built around people, place and partnership, and our ambition to transform lives and livelihoods through learning. The UTC is a powerful example of that ambition in action, bringing education and industry closer together, widening access to opportunity and helping to ensure that local talent can build rewarding careers and contribute to Barrow’s long-term prosperity.” 

Leaders from industry, politics, and the community helped launch the centre at an event on 6 November. Event attendees heard several speeches, took part in a roundtable on how the various supporters can work together to tackle the NEET crisis, and received a tour of the newly refurbished facility.

The centre is a leading example of how the UK’s youth unemployment crisis can be tackled: by providing early lines of sight into jobs in critical industries such as defence, infrastructure and healthcare. 

Two specialist pathways – engineering and healthcare – have been developed in close collaboration with employers. Students will be taught using industry-standard equipment and in environments designed to mirror the workplace, ensuring their learning is practical, engaging and directly aligned to real-world careers. 

The centre’s facilities include specialist teaching spaces for mechanical engineering, mechatronics and computer-aided design (CAD), an NHS-standard hospital ward, physiotherapy space and domestic care environments, allowing students to develop practical skills in realistic settings. 

The project received £1.7m funding from Team Barrow, a public-private partnership that brings together the skills, funding and capabilities of the government, local government, businesses and the community. 

The UTC Sleeve is based on the provision delivered by England’s 45 University Technical College (UTC) secondary schools. In addition to a core academic education, UTCs teach students the technical skills and employability skills they need to progress into local industries. 

Each UTC’s curriculum is built with employers, who also provide work experience, mentoring and projects for students. 

Each year:  

• UTCs progress around a fifth of Year 13 students to apprenticeships; compared to less than 10 per cent nationally.  

• A half of the apprenticeships to which UTC Year 13 leavers progress are higher or degree level. That compares to a third nationally.  

• Just five per cent of UTC leavers become NEET – compared to 10 per cent nationally. 

Young people who do not attend Walney Academy will also benefit, as the Technical Centre will operate a hub and spoke model, giving other schools access to its facilities and enrichment opportunities. 

Baker Dearing has called on the government to pilot the UTC Sleeve initiative nationwide, so more young people can access high-quality, employer-led technical education; in line with the government’s recent announcements of new technical pathways in secondary schools and vocational GCSEs.

Chief Executive of the Furness Education Trust Simon Laheney said: “Furness Education Trust is incredibly proud to be working in partnership with Baker Dearing Educational Trust to see the Walney Academy Technical Centre become home to the first UTC Sleeve in the Northwest. This investment represents a major step forward for technical education in Barrow and directly supports the ambitions we all share for our young people and our wider community.

“Working alongside our industry partners, we have created an inspiring learning environment where young people can develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to progress into further education, employment, or apprenticeships, supporting the future prosperity of our area and strengthening the connections between education, industry and the young people who will help shape Barrow's future.” 

Life President of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust Lord Baker said: “The opening of this new centre marks a major step forward for technical education in the region and the nation. By embedding a UTC Sleeve right into the heart of a secondary school, we are making it easier than ever for young people to unlock their potential through practical, hands-on learning. This facility and others like it in towns and cities around the country will change lives by giving students a clear, direct route into apprenticeships and top-tier careers with world-class employers.  

“My sincere thanks go to Furness Education Trust, Team Barrow, and all the local employers who have backed this project. This centre is a fantastic asset that will bring massive rewards to the people and industries of Barrow-in-Furness for years to come.”

Interim CEO of Team Barrow Andrew Bennett said: "We are delighted to see this outstanding new facility become a reality and proud that Team Barrow has been able to contribute £1.7m towards its delivery. More importantly, this investment is about giving young people access to high-quality technical education, helping them develop the skills, confidence and aspirations they need to succeed.

"Supporting projects like this is central to Team Barrow’s mission, ensuring local people can access the opportunities created by our growing economy while strengthening the skills base that will drive Barrow’s future prosperity." 

Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Infrastructure Simon Smith said: “The network of UTCs that span the country creates a wealth of opportunities for our future workforce and provides pupils with important insights into sectors they wouldn’t have ordinarily experienced at that point in their education.  

“I remember a few years ago, when discussions first began around the Walney Academy Technical Centre, and now we are here for the opening. It is a very proud moment for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, and we look forward to working with the pupils and developing the curriculum further.” 

Managing Director of EAL Alison Parkes said: "As a proud partner of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, EAL is delighted to support the launch of the landmark Technical Education Centre at Walney Academy. Through the pioneering UTC Sleeve model, Furness Education Trust and Baker Dearing are creating industry-led pathways into engineering and manufacturing for young people in Barrow.

"Practical, hands-on learning is vital to the UK’s critical skills pipeline, and we remain committed to working alongside Baker Dearing to equip the next generation with the high-quality technical education and career opportunities they deserve.”