Principal Appointed for Black Country UTC

Chris Hilton, Head Teacher for Kingsmead Technology College, has been officially appointed Principal of the forthcoming Black Country University Technical College (UTC), due to open in September 2011.

Chris has had an extremely successful career in the education sector and will be leaving his current role at Kingsmead Technology College, Cannock where he has worked for over 10 years, in order to take on the exciting challenge of leading the brand new school.

Opening in September 2011, The Black Country University Technical College (UTC) is one of the first of a new breed of schools across the country, offering Year 10 and Sixth Form pupils the opportunity to gain the qualifications and skills required for an exciting and rewarding career in science and engineering.

The Black Country UTC will deliver the ‘best of both worlds’, combining the national curriculum with high quality technical education. All the courses are actively shaped by world renowned employers, such as Siemens and National Grid, along with experienced local businesses.

Based at the current Sneyd Community School, the UTC is being supported by lead sponsor, Walsall College; Co-sponsor, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Council and strong partnerships with local employers. Supported by expert staff, state of the art facilities and extensive industry and business links, is intended that this exciting new training academy will reinvigorate the Black Country’s engineering heritage.

Chris commented, “I feel excited by this new opportunity and wish to make a significant impact to the education and training of young people. Being involved in the creation of a completely new school concept is an opportunity rarely available to anyone and I feel very privileged to be part of this. In particular working with our visionary sponsors and achieving our shared vision of the provision of a world class education for all to create a new generation of young people with the technical skills to enable them to become engineers, scientists and designers of the future. Our young people will be successful, make a positive contribution to society, have entrepreneurial skills and meet the needs of employers in the West Midlands.”

Amarjit Basi, Principal and Chief Executive of Walsall College said: “We are delighted with Chris’s appointment as Principal of the new Black Country UTC. His strong leadership skills and outstanding track record will ensure that the UTC becomes a centre of excellence, creating the next generation of scientists and engineers in the Black Country”.

Those interested in gaining information on the forthcoming Black Country University Technical College (UTC) are also encouraged to attend Walsall College’s Open Day, Wednesday 9th March 4-7pm. Black Country UTC representatives will be available during the event to provide more information on the exciting new school and how to apply for places.