A NEW technical college could be built in Worcestershire if it gets backing from the community.

Business partners across the county are considering applying for Government funding to build the college, based on the reaction from prospective students, parents and firms.

The county council and Local Enterprise Partnership are working with five firms to assess the need for a university technical college teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects to 14- to 19-year-olds.

These colleges are smaller than secondary schools, not academically selective and charge no fees.

UTC Worcestershire would aim to develop the next generation of skilled technicians, engineers, and designers to provide a workforce for the future.

Gary Woodman, executive director at the LEP, said: "We're keen to hear from local businesses about what they think of having a UTC in Worcestershire and who would like to get involved or finding out more.

"Businesses could be involved in a variety of ways – from offering hands-on work experience placements to guest lecturing, mentoring or helping to develop a curriculum to up-skill and shape their future workforce."

Worcester Bosch, Malvern Instruments, Morgan Motor Cars, Yamazaki Mazak and QinetiQ have all backed the project.

Before it progresses in earnest, the scheme's backers are looking to get the views of young people, parents or carers and businesses to help identify the appetite for a UTC.

Worcester Bosch's managing director Carl Arntzen said: "Engineering is vital to the future economic prosperity of the UK and yet we have a real shortage of skilled, qualified engineers.

"Worcester Bosch is highly supportive of this concept and is delighted to be supporting the project to develop a UTC here in Worcestershire."

A survey and more details can be found at worcestershire.gov.uk/UTCworcestershire until the end of July.

Information and updates can also be found on Facebook by searching UTC Worcestershire or on Twitter @UTCworcs.