A college due to open next year has opened a pop-up base to let people know more about it.

Leigh University Technical College (UTC) has set up in Bluewater as it embarks on a programme of consultation ahead of the opening of its £11 million college in September 2014.

Taking up to 600 students, it will be built on the site of the old Joyce Green Hospital in Bob Dunn Way, Dartford.

University technical colleges offer 14- to 18-year-olds the opportunity to study full-time, technically oriented courses with practical training.

The shop will give people a chance to find out about the courses available and the education, training and experience on offer.

The UTC’s technical courses will have the same status as A-levels as they meet the government’s tech-level qualifications criteria.

Stephen Leahey, project director for the UTC, said: “The launch of Leigh UTC is a very exciting milestone for education in Dartford and the wider community.

"Leigh UTC will provide a credible, high-quality alternative for those wishing to pursue a career in sectors such as engineering and computer sciences.”

The college is described as a radical solution to increasing the number of technicians and engineers in the country.

Students will start at 8.30am and finish at 5pm, but there will be no homework. They will spend the equivalent of two days a week on practical study and three days a week on academic work.

Robert Goodman, Bluewater’s general manager, added: “Bluewater is committed to working with local partners, such as Leigh UTC, to create a sustainable community.

“We are delighted to support this initiative, which combines innovation and education to make a significant difference to the futures of a large number of young people from the local area.”

The college will be run by the Leigh Academies Trust, which already oversees the Leigh Technology Academy in Dartford, York Road Junior Academy and Language Unit in Dartford, Wilmington Academy, the Milestone Academy in New Ash Green for pupils with special needs, and Longfield Academy.