North Swindon MP Celebrates Success Of Town's UTC

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, was on hand to give out awards at the end of year celebrations for Swindon's University Technical College.

The £10 million UTC is a new concept in Education based in part of what was once Swindon’s Great Western Railway. It specialises in teaching engineering and technical skills, as well as other core subjects, to students aged 14-19. Following the opening by HRH the Duke of Kent, the UTC opened its doors to students last September, and since then the college has been visited by both the Schools Minister and the Prime Minister. 

At a time when more opportunities are opening up to young people (there have been two million new apprenticeships created in the last five years) the UTC represents a fresh approach to education. Students are expected to carry out a full working day - starting at 8.30am and finishing at 5pm; with everybody turned out in smart workplace attire. This allows each student to develop a strong work ethic from an early age, preparing them well in advance for the world of work. 

Justin Tomlinson MP said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the incredible journey that Angela and the UTC have come on so far. I am already looking forward to attending many more award ceremonies, open evenings and graduations. Swindon should be exceptionally proud of this fantastic establishment which is a flagship for UTC’s across the country. It also provides the opportunity to fulfil potential - something which should always underpin education in this country. It was great to hand out awards to both staff and students, honouring the hard work that had gone into their first year. It is clear that they have bright futures ahead of them and that the UTC has managed to install something special in its students."