Professor Lord Bhattacharyya has been appointed a trustee on the board of the Baker Dearing Education Trust.

Lord Baker and Lord Dearing created the Baker Dearing Educational Trust in 2007 to develop and promote University Technical Colleges (UTCs).

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya has already played an integral role in the development of two University Technical Colleges – the WMG Academies for Young Engineers in Coventry and Solihull. The two state of the art learning campuses cater for students from Coventry, Warwickshire, Solihull, and Birmingham.

Starting his career as a graduate apprentice at Lucas Industries, Professor Lord Bhattacharyya became Britain's first ever Professor of Manufacturing. Throughout his career he has been a passionate advocate for engineering innovation and the revival of British industry.

Lord Bhattacharyya will join a distinguished board of trustees which comprises: The Rt Hon Lord Baker of Dorking CH (Chair), The Rt Hon Lord Adonis, Dr.Theresa Simpkin, Allan Cook CBE, Edwina Dunn, Sir Kevin Satchwell and Sir Mike Tomlinson CBE.

Lord Baker, Chair of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, welcomed the new trustee and said:

“We are very pleased to announce this appointment. Professor Lord Bhattacharyya has made an enormous contribution to technical education we are delighted he has agreed to join the Baker Dearing board. I have no doubt the UTC programme will benefit considerably from his vast knowledge and experience.”

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya said:

“In the UK we are facing serious skills shortages in science, engineering and other technical disciplines. We need to train more young people who can fill the roles employers need to increase productivity and compete globally. Working in partnership with universities and employers UTCs offer an important part of the solution to this problem for students from the age of 14. I am delighted to be joining the board and look forward to adding my support the UTCs programme as a trustee.”