Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 31st July

It has been an exceptional first year for Swindon’s University Technical College. It seems like no time at all since we were welcoming HRH the Duke of York to the official opening, and when the first set of students began their first term. 

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. 

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. 

I have spent a lot of time encouraging local businesses in Swindon to support the UTC, both in terms of sponsorship and for offering work placements and mentoring. As a town, it is vitally important that we rally together to support this fantastic institute as we aim to create the future wave of engineers and technicians. 

My particular highlight in the UTC’s first year was the Conservative Party Manifesto launch during the General Election campaign. I was delighted that the Prime Minister and his cabinet chose Swindon to become centre stage for what is one of the most important events in the campaign, and in doing so, demonstrated just how valuable UTC’s are to the future of education in this country. 

On Wednesday, it was great to be at the college again to reminisce over the past year and look forward to the new term and fresh wave of students. I handed 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. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the incredible journey that Angela and the college 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.