WIREDGOV

A new college in south London training the next generation of engineers and building experts has been officially opened by Prince Andrew.

The Royal Greenwich University Technical College (UTC) offers 14 to 18-year-olds technical qualifications alongside traditional GCSE and A-Level subjects.

The Duke of York is patron of The Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which created the UTC concept.

High-quality workers with engineering and construction skills will be essential to ensure London's transport network continues to improve and provide further benefits to passengers as the Capital's population grows.

Transport for London college(TfL) will provide technical expertise for students via engineering demonstrations and has helped the college develop its coursework curriculum.

Other sponsors include the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the University of Greenwich, and the Wates Group.

TfL has also donated a decommissioned Tube carriage for students to work on.

The carriage was part of a Hammersmith & City line train which had been operating for more than 35 years.

During that time it travelled the equivalent of 120 times around the world.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: 'It is vital that young people are equipped with the skills and qualifications they need to find jobs, forge careers Depot and contribute to London's growing economy.

'UTC is nurturing the next generation of home-grown talent who will build our railways, design our houses and mastermind our transport.'

More than £10million has been invested in the campus, with state-of-the-art facilities including computer-aided design workshops, specialised engineering project zones, and a studio for graphics and art.

An on-site apprenticeship centre gives students the chance to discuss career opportunities with potential employers.

For more information on the UTC, including details of this term's open days and how to apply for a place in 2014/15, visit www.greenwichutc.com or call 020 8331 7500.