University technical colleges could threaten existing provision, warns union

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: "University technical colleges are likely to offer similar courses and curriculum to existing further education colleges. At a time when our colleges are facing huge budget cuts it is essential that vital funding is not diverted away from institutions already providing key vocational training.

"Expanding the number of UTCs also risks increasing divisions in 16-19 education and training at a time when the introduction of academies and free schools are already fragmenting local provision."