Former Secretary of State Lord Baker told pupils at Salisbury's newest college their education was important in preventing the need for more immigration into the UK.

"There is a huge shortage of skills and if we cannot have young British people moving into these jobs then then will go to immigrants," he told the audience, which also included invited guests from industry and education,

He praised pupils for their choice of college when he attended the formal opening of the University Technical College .

Lord Baker said it was a brave decision because the college did not exist when they signed up.

He was speaking after taking a tour of the building, which currently has nearly 180 pupils. 

Lord Baker said he came to Salisbury about four years ago because there was a shortage of skills in south Wiltshire. He said he met with reprentatives of the Army, defence industries and Southampton University. And that is when the decision was made to base the UTC in Salisbury.

He said the college, which first opened to pupils eight weeks ago, had done well.

"You wouldn't have done many of things you do here at previous schools. I congratulate you on your courage."

He said there were 39 other similar colleges around the country and that one thing he was most proud of was the record of leavers.

"Not one has had to become a job-seeker," he said. Many had gone on to university and apprenticeships.

Rear Admiral John Clink, who performed the opening, said: "The only way we are going to be prosperous is we develop our economy. And that will be through in science and technology.

"I think this gives you a golden opportunity to engage in science and technology. I do congratulate you on making the bold step of coming here.

"You have a massive opportunity. Your country needs you to grab it with both hands."