PLANS to open a multi-million pound “tech college” for teenagers in Bolton has suffered a setback after the government failed to announce it was one of 13 due to open from September next year.

But University of Bolton bosses say they are confident the £10 million University Technical College (UTC) for 14 to 19-yearolds at its campus will get the go-ahead in the “near future”.

Chiefs did have some reason to celebrate, however, as a UTC for Oldham, which is being sponsored by the University of Bolton, was given the thumbs-up.

A university spokesman explained: “The university has been involved in two University Technical College bids, one in Bolton and the other in Oldham. We are delighted by the news the Oldham bid has been successful.

“With regards to the Bolton UTC bid, the Department for Education has looked at the Bolton bid in detail and although we await formal feedback, the university understands that further information is likely to be required.

“This is completely normal in the bidding process as most UTCs are approved after several submissions. After supplying any required information, we expect the Bolton bid will succeed at a later date."

The Oldham UTC involves a number of partners including Laing O’Rourke, Johnson Construction and Equity Solutions and will specialise in sustainable engineering and construction for 600 students.

Teenagers attending UTCs sit core GCSEs alongside vocational qualifications, and are designed so young people concentrate on training for specific jobs in industry The Bolton UTC would specialise in engineering, manufacturing and medical technology and it had been hoped it would open to students by September, 2014, with building work to the Holts Mill completed by July 2014.

Students would also take part in work-based learning and the university had estimated student numbers would rise from 90 in the first year to an annual intake of 150 by 2017.

The £10 million cost of the building work and the annual £3 million for running the college would be met by the Government.

If the proposals go through to the next stage, the university will be inviting further support from the community and businesses.