EAL supports launch of pioneering technical education centre in Barrow-in-Furness

EAL visited Walney Academy in Barrow-in-Furness on Friday 6th November to celebrate the opening of an innovative new Technical Education Centre with partners and local stakeholders. 

The new £2m facility, which has been developed by Furness Education Trust in partnership with the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, will bring the first University Technical College (UTC) Sleeve to the North West. The UTC Sleeve model means young people can access specialist technical education provided by a UTC whilst still being in a secondary school, giving them earlier exposure to career opportunities. 

EAL were delighted to be invited to the event to celebrate this innovative initiative as a partner of Baker Dearing. 

Bringing education and industry closer together 

The centre will provide two specialist pathways in Engineering and Healthcare, developed in partnership with local employers. It will provide students with specialist facilities including a mechanical fitting and assembly area, Mechatronics area, CAD area, and hospital ward, physiotherapy and domestic care areas to name a few, all to NHS standards. 

Students will be able to gain hands-on skills using industry-standard equipment and facilities. This will give them a better understanding of what opportunities there are within these sectors. 

60 students from Walney Academy will work with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure to design new developments for the town in teams as part of the Barrow Rejuvenation Project. They will look at areas such as urban futures and future green spaces. 

Supporting the next generation of technical talent 

Alison Parkes, Managing Director of EAL, said: “As a proud partner of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, EAL is delighted to support the launch of the landmark Technical Education Centre at Walney Academy.  

“Through the pioneering UTC Sleeve model, Furness Education Trust and Baker Dearing are creating industry-led pathways into engineering and manufacturing for young people in Barrow. Practical, hands-on learning is vital to the UK’s critical skills pipeline, and we remain committed to working alongside Baker Dearing to equip the next generation with the high-quality technical education and career opportunities they deserve.” 

Lord Baker, Life President of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, added: “The opening of this new centre marks a major step forward for technical education in the region and the nation. By embedding a UTC Sleeve right into the heart of a secondary school, we are making it easier than ever for young people to unlock their potential through practical, hands-on learning.  

“This facility and others like it in towns and cities around the country will change lives by giving students a clear, direct route into apprenticeships and top-tier careers with world-class employers. My sincere thanks go to Furness Education Trust, Team Barrow, and all the local employers who have backed this project. This centre is a fantastic asset that will bring massive rewards to the people and industries of Barrow-in-Furness for years to come.” 

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