Work has begun on Daventry’s new specialist technical college.

Construction of the new £10m University Technical College (UTC) in Northamptonshire is already underway and is being undertaken by Shepherd Construction.

Shepherd have confirmed they will be building the new facility according to high environmental standards.

Peter Bates of Shepherd said the firm would be "using sustainable materials" in the construction.

The new college is expected to take its first pupils in 2013 and students will be able to take advantage of courses in engineering, construction and environmental sustainability.

The college will also be offering work experience with industry leaders such as construction firm SDC, Cummins Ltd., engineering firm Cosworth, real estate providers ProLogis and HiForce.

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DUTC has been built to provide education for up to 600 14-19-year-old students.

The college is being sponsored by local businesses, Moulton College and the University of Northampton and has been funded with government money.

DUTC has set out a vision to create "a distinctive learning community focussing on engineering and sustainability", and "an environment integrating education and business, where young people feel valued."

The college says it has a commitment to "address the issue of STEM recruitment, develop high-quality, practical and technical skills training, service new industry and new jobs, harness employer-led skills development, build and capitalise on strong partnerships and promote a 'Cleaner Greener County' and resource efficient technologies.

"DUTC will foster a learning ethos which promotes a spirit of enquiry, delivering young people that are skilled, professional and enterprising, with a genuine desire to contribute positively to the communities in which they live and work", a statement said.

Daventry UTC is one of 13 new colleges announced across England.

(IT/GK)