SHEFFIELD UTC!

I spent the day in Sheffield yesterday. I had been invited to the ground-breaking ceremony for the Sheffield University Technical College where I met a lot of colleagues and some old friends.

It was wonderful to see the strength of the relationships which have resulted in the start of the construction of the Sheffield UTC; which is going to be a brilliant addition to the learning landscape. It was great to hear about the vision for advanced manufacturing and the digital and creative industries in this great city and how that connects with a powerful and developing City Region growth strategy and education, skills and learning strategy. The UTC will provide an important piece of the learning landscape and act as a catalyst for innovation, creativity and hard work and encourage more young people to enter two vital sectors to the regional economy. What came through most powerfully yesterday was the partnership working that has shaped and driven this project; collaborative, co-operative work between Sheffield City Council, Sheffield College, Sheffield University, Sheffield Hallam University, the secondary schools, the Chamber of Commerce and the Cutlers' Company... all committed to giving young people in the city the opportunities to be creative, be industrious and reach their potential.