The new principal of the Rainham technical college said that the school will be “completely life changing” for students.

Ruth Umerah has been appointed as the first principal of the University Technical College (ELUtec), which is due to be built on the campus of the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) in Marsh Way, Rainham.

She said: “The college will give the students a real understanding of what engineering is all about.

“It is about creative design and we can give them the skills to come up with some really world changing ideas.”

The college is due to open in 2014 and will offer academic and vocational training to 14 to 19-year-olds in an attempt to address the nationwide shortage of engineering talent.

Ford and Network Rail, as well as University College London, Loughborough University and the Prospect Learning Foundation are all partners in the project - which will have 650 pupils.

Ruth comes to the role from the JCB Academy in Staffordshire where she was vice principal.

She wants to use the skills developed in her previous job to benefit the new college.

She added: “I have learned a lot in my role at the JCB and I can bring that experience to the college in Rainham.

“I have a real passion for this type of education facility and I believe that this is right for young people with a passion for business.”

The college will take in students from Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Newham, Redbridge and Thurrock.

Funding for the college, which is expected to be a springboard for youngsters into jobs and long term careers in engineering, manufacturing, design and technology, has already been agreed by the Department for Education.

But Ruth says that she also wants students to be well rounded.

She added: “We want to recruit the best teachers in all the subjects, not just in the engineering side.

“There will be a real emphasis on the work force in all the subjects, so even in English the students will be doing a lot of group work because this will benefit them later in life.”

Anyone interested in joining the college in 2014 can call 020 8596 5400 for more information.