A new technical school helping to train engineers of tomorrow is supported by 70 employers
Students and staff had the chance to highlight the work of Leeds’ first UTC when the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire visited to find out how the new technical school is training the next generation of engineers and scientists. Dr Terry Bramall CBE met students, staff, governors and employers and toured the £10 million University Technical College on Sayner Road, Hunslet.
UTC Leeds is a new type of technical school for 14 to 19-year-olds that specialises in advanced engineering and manufacturing. Students complete academic and technical qualifications to match the skills needs of regional employers, supporting economic growth and employment.
The principal, Mark Kennedy, said: ‘We were delighted to welcome Dr Bramall to our state-of-the-art facilities, where students gain the academic and technical qualifications and skills that top universities and employers are looking for.’
And Dr Bramall added: ‘As an engineer, I could not be more excited for the future of the profession after visiting UTC Leeds. The facilities were of the highest order and I loved the hands-on teaching by committed staff. The students were a delight to meet, showing a wide range of skills, an ability to communicate and maturity beyond their years.’
UTC Leeds has more than 70 employers supporting it, including AGFA, Siemens and Unilever, and the University of Leeds, which is among the top 100 in the world for engineering and technology. Students learn in industry standard facilities, with areas designated for scientific research, advanced design, computer aided design, manufacturing and robotics.
Employers have helped to design the curriculum, set industry projects and provide work experience and placements. The facility opened in September 2016 and recruits young people from across Leeds City Region. There are 7,300 manufacturing and engineering businesses based in the region employing 144,000 people, representing the largest manufacturing base in the UK, according to Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership.
Post-16 students can follow a number of different pathways to progress to university or high quality apprenticeships by studying four A Levels or an engineering technical qualification accompanied by up to three A Levels.
UTCs are non-selective and government-funded. Students can join at the age of 14 in Year 10 or aged 16 in Year 12 and have the opportunity to complete academic qualifications, including GCSEs or A Levels, as well as a technical qualification. Places are still available for this September. For more information, visit utcleeds.com or call 0113 3530140. Follow @UTCLeeds.
