Views are being sought over a new educational facility planned for Rainham.
A new East London University Technical College (Elutec) is planned to open in 2014.
On Monday its backers are launching a formal consultation, a legal hurdle it has to pass before it can open.
Every head teacher of every school and college in Havering and five other local authorities will be surveyed, along with MPs, prospective students and other interested parties.
Elutec will be based at Ceme in Marsh Way, Rainham, and is backed by that centre as well as University College London, Ford and the Prospects Learning Foundation.
Bill Williams, chairman of Elutec and chief executive of Ceme, said: “The opening of Elutec will bring a fantastic new education offering for young people who enjoy design, engineering and technology.
“Through its close links with leading industrial and employer partners Elutec will provide its students with unprecedented opportunities.”
University technical colleges are academies for 14 to 19-year-olds which focus on providing an education that offers skills for industry.
Elutec plans to take in around 450 students from Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Thurrock, Newham and Tower Hamlets.
A new shuttle bus will be run for students from Rainham train station to the campus.
Alex Armstrong, chairman of the Havering Chamber of Commerce, said that the chamber “fully supports this venture”. He added: “I think it will be a great success.”
Dagenham and Rainham MP Jon Cruddas said: “Using institutions such as the new ELUtec to promote industry in the area is a great first step in tackling unemployment.
“The new technical college in Rainham will help ensure young people are equipped with the necessary skills to work at the highest level.
“By bringing together experts from business, academia and engineering the institute has the potential to pave the way into apprenticeships for many local youngsters.”
In the consultation document Jenny Ball, HR director of Ford, said: “Ford very strongly supports the principle of the University Technical College. We believe this will inspire and enable the next generation into achieving engineering excellence.”
The consultation begins on March 4 and ends on April 12.
For more information visit: www.elutec.co.uk.
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