The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has described the news that Walsall’s Black Country University Technical College (UTC) is to close as “a bitter blow”.
Earlier this month, the UTC announced that hundreds of students at the college would have to be re-located due to its closure — caused by its student numbers, a lack of resources and a “disappointing” OFSTED inspection.
Chamber chairman Martin Dudley said: “This is a sad day for business-education engagement in the area. We welcomed the UTC to Walsall because engineering skills are in short supply, so this news is a bitter blow for students, parents and employers.”
Chamber president Ninder Johal added: “Something is seriously amiss in the region if an institution such as the UTC can’t attract sufficient students. We were hoping that it would overcome the literacy and numeracy issues that face young people as they leave school, with employers disappointed that 16-year-olds are unable to read or add up.
“Education is a serious issue, and the chamber will be taking a lead in identifying solutions to this problem.”