UTC Pipeline Programme impresses global employer partners
On Tuesday 26 March, KS5 students attended their final UTC Pipeline Programme day of the academic year.
Since September, students in Year 12 and 13 have teamed up with their chosen industry expert for four sessions across the year, to help develop the skills that are needed in the workplace.
The programme is designed to develop a talent pipeline, as students and employers work together on employability skills workshops, technical briefings and work placements.
UTC Swindon students commended at Duke of York Awards for Technical Education
At the end of January, UTC Swindon Principal, Jon Oliver and students, Ben Perrigo and Ben Rickards (Ben Ayers also received an award, but could not attend), visited St James’ Palace in London to commend their achievements as part of the Duke of York Awards for Technical Education.
Joining more than 140 other students from University Technical Colleges (UTCs) across the country, the students were presented with their award by HRH The Duke of York at the prestigious ceremony.
New report highlights that UTCs are leading the way with project-based learning
The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) published The Evaluation of University Technical Colleges report, finding that project-based learning (PBL) and employer engagement had profound positive impacts on student’s school experience.
Project-based learning is a key focus for UTCs and demonstrates a different way of learning, often via industry-relevant projects developed in collaboration with local employers, ensuring that students develop skills that can help them access pathways into employment.
Former UTC Swindon student secures apprenticeship with Audi Swindon
Former UTC Swindon student, Tara, recently secured an apprenticeship with Audi Swindon. We caught up with her to see how she was getting on…
“I started my apprenticeship as an Apprentice Service Technician with Audi Swindon in December last year and it will last three years.”
UTC Swindon students compete in Royal Navy Engineering Challenge 2019
On Wednesday 27 March, students from UTC Swindon took part in the annual Royal Navy engineering challenge, designing two vehicles that, working together, could rescue a damaged helicopter from a tropical island.
The students headed to HMS Sultan near Portsmouth, competing against over 70 teams from schools and colleges all over the country.
Computer science and IT student set to secure a bright future
Year 13 student Marcin joined UTC Swindon in Year 12 to study computer science and IT, after seeking a more specialist college that offered technical studies.
“I looked around for other sixth forms and colleges but none were as specialist as UTC Swindon, so they couldn’t really compare.”
Sixth Form student, Sophie, gives us an insight into UTC life…
Year 12 student, Sophie, joined UTC Swindon in Year 10 and now studies double IT, Cyber Security and English Literature in the Sixth Form.
“I used to go to a school with a lot of students in and found that I wasn’t really focusing. I wanted to move somewhere smaller, where I could specialise and get more one-to-one support. At the time, I hadn’t heard of UTC Swindon, but after receiving a letter, I was really interested, so I came in for a meeting and joined shortly after!”
Engineering student thanks UTC Swindon for preparing her professionally and personally
Year 12 student Abbie, tells us of her experience studying at a University Technical College (UTC).
“I joined UTC Swindon in Year 10 as my current school was no longer offering resistant materials and engineering and I really wanted to study those. I researched several options and had heard of UTC Swindon so went along to find out more. Once I had come along to the taster day here, I found it was everything I had wanted.”
Former UTC Swindon student secures prestigious engineering apprenticeship
Former UTC Swindon student, Oliver, secured an apprenticeship with a leading engineering company, Method Consulting, last summer.
Oliver said: “I was told about the position at Method Consulting by one of my teachers at UTC Swindon; I was interested in the CAD work I could get involved with there, as I enjoyed working with computers throughout my time at college and I wanted to further my knowledge in that area and look to potentially have a career within it.”
Open Event/ Weekly drop-in sessions
Want to see what’s on offer at UTC Swindon? Our next open event will be held on Saturday 29 June 2019, from 10am-1pm.
Alternatively, if you would like to see the UTC in action during the school day, pop in to one of our weekly drop in sessions. These run every Wednesday from 5-6.30pm (term-time only).
Keep in touch
You can also keep up to date with the latest developments of UTC Swindon through our website and social media channels:
Website: http://www.utcswindon.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UTCSwindon/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/utcswindon