VITAL skills needed for businesses in the borough would be met by a new educational facility according to a report.

The Warrington Skills Commission has identified several sectors of potential growth for students from the town to train in which offer good job prospects in Warrington.

The proposed Warrington UTC would specialise in engineering and nuclear technology and is sponsored by the University of Chester and supported by industry partners including United Utilities, Sellafield Ltd, and Warrington Borough Council.

In the skills commission review nuclear and engineering skills were highlighted as needing particular attention.

Lynda Moore, deputy proctor at the Warrington campus of the University of Chester and chairman of the Warrington UTC Steering Group, said: “Experience of work is a central element of the curriculum. The curriculum content is determined and shaped through the partnership of employers and the University.

“For the economy of Warrington and its surroundings, the Warrington UTC would address existing skills shortages locally by providing a steady stream of well-qualified candidates to target employers’ needs and support sustained business growth.”

UTCs are a new concept in education for 14-19 year olds which offer high quality, technically-orientated courses in an environment where young people are encouraged to follow their interests and to develop them into skills and qualifications.

Clr Terry O’Neill, Leader of the council, added: “Addressing the skills gap in the nuclear and engineering sectors is vital to help the growth of the town’s economy and fuel the needs of Warrington’s growing strength in these sectors. Warrington UTC will train, equip and prepare young people for careers in these sectors and fill new jobs in the town.”

Steve Park, managing director of Warrington & Co, is working in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce on the delivery of the Skills Commission recommendations.

He said: “This is such a valuable opportunity to develop a bespoke curriculum which is responsive to the particular technical and employability skills required by employers in the town and across the north west.”

Potential students and members of the public are being invited to register their interest and support for the proposals for Warrington UTC, which, if approved, would open in September 2015.

Visit warringtonUTC.org for more information.