North East STEM Foundation

"Investing in education must be prioritised in the Spring Budget.

"Recent funding fails to complement evolving needs of industry. Our educational infrastructure is woefully inadequate to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The adherence to 'one size fits all' fails to recognise the diverse needs of students and demands of modern industry.

"The University Technical College network addresses this by delivering education tailored to industry requirements, ensuring students receive the skills necessary for success. UTCs deliver eight times the national average for students pursuing apprenticeships, highlighting their effectiveness in bridging the gap between education and industry.

"However, accessibility is a challenge. Transport and associated costs deter students from attending UTCs, limiting opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Therefore, I urge Jeremy Hunt to allocate more funding to overcome these barriers to ensure UTCs are accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status."