As regular readers will know, I have been working closely for many months with Harlow College to bring a new Apprenticeship School - called a University Techincal College - to Harlow.
There is a groundswell of local support for this, and the College Govenors have now voted unanimously to submit the application tomorrow: Wednesday June 1st 2011.
It is fantastic to see people's enthusiasm and good will about our plans. The many organisations to back the bid now include Harlow District Council, Harlow Chamber of Commerce, Essex FSB, the Chartered Institute of Journalists, Pearson UK, a number of local engineering firms, the Joint Contracts Tribunal Ltd, and many more.
These local employers have added their weight to the project, after I managed to secure the backing of Prime Minister David Cameron.
Education Secretary Michael Gove is also supportive of the bid, and has promised to visit Harlow College this autumn to see how the plans are progressing.
Personally, I am delighted, as if we get this Apprenticeship School it would transform the lives of young Harlow people. For many years I have been passionate about giving young people opportunities and skills, and helping them to get good jobs. Because this is not just about economic efficiency, it is about social justice too.
This is one of the reasons why I employed the first ever MP's apprentice - a local lad from Harlow College called Andy Huckle.
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| Giving awards to Harlow College journalism students in 2010. |
The UTC would take students aged 14 to 19 and would focus on their preparation for the world of work and higher education and on ensuring they gain the best possible qualification.
The project, which would be due to open in September 2013, would also bring several million pounds of investment into the town benefiting many small and medium-sized firms. The Government is expected to approve up to 24 UTCs across the country. Let's hope that Harlow is one of the first!
by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com
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