Nottingham is set to be among the first UK cities to house a University Technical College (UTC).

The move comes after Djanogly Learning Trust and the University of Nottingham successfully made a joint venture bid to establish a UTC in the city.

From 2013 the Nottingham UTC will provide 14-19-year-old students in the East Midlands with technical and vocational education combined with academic studies.

It will specialise in science, technology, engineering and IT.

Businesses including Toshiba, Experian, XMA, Boots, BT, Rolls-Royce, Lafarge and Hardstaff have all signed up to become partners of the university.

Mike Butler, chief executive of Djanogly Learning Trust, said: "Getting the go-ahead for the Nottingham University Technical College is great news for the region. It will provide a new and innovative way of learning that really engages students, giving them industry standard teaching and facilities that is backed up by hands on experience from our business partners.

"This type of learning will improve the employability of college leavers, who will have the necessary skills to confidently enter the workplace and make an immediate contribution to the economy."