THIS is the first view of Crewe’s proposed new University Technical College (UTC).

It is hoped the learning facility will be able to supply a steady stream of skilled young workers to Crewe’s key industries.

The college will be based in the centre of town, at the former Victoria High School and specialise in engineering and manufacturing qualifications.

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Clr Michael Jones, has announced that the authority will table a £20 million funding bid to the Department for Education in autumn to kick-start facility.

If the bid is successful, the UTC will cater for 600 students aged 14-19, and is expected to open by September 2015.

There is expected to be a focus on the automotive and rail industries – ensuring business such as Bentley, Bombardier, Siemens and OSL Rail have a ready supply of skilled key workers from Crewe.

The scheme has been supported by a consortium of local businesses including Bentley Motors, which has its headquarters and manufacturing lines in Pyms Lane.

The facility would support Cheshire East’s ambitious All Change for Crewe programme, which aims to bolster Crewe’s position as manufacturing and engineering powerhouse.

The technical college announcements follows more good news for Crewe in the shape of Bentley’s £800 million investment in Pyms Lane.

The announcement that the firm would create 1,000 new jobs building its new SUV in Crewe was welcomed by Prime Minister David Cameron and Business Secretary, Vince Cable, on a recent visitto Pyms Lane.

Clr Jones added: “The university technical college we are currently developing will provide the skilled young engineers we need to develop our automotive sector and make Bentley’s commitment to the town a sustainable investment.”