Untitled - University Technical Colleges

Contents
An introduction to UTCs by Lord Baker
4
What are UTCs?
5
How are universities and employers involved in UTCs?
8
Learning at a UTC
10
The curriculum – how does it work?
11
Progression routes
12
Spotlight on individual UTCs
14
Get involved
26
Behind the UTC network
26
We are most grateful to Willmott Dixon
for their sponsorship of this booklet
UTCs provide a valuable solution to the skills gap many employers face in finding young
people with the right level of vocational know-how to fill job opportunities. Willmott Dixon
is playing an active part in this process, both as a constructor of UTCs and in providing the
hands-on training that is equipping so many people with the knowledge and confidence
to succeed in the workplace.
Janie Chesterton - Education Sector Director, Willmott Dixon Construction
Students at Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
An introduction to UTCs by Lord Baker
Thousands of students are now choosing to study at
university technical colleges across England. As I visit
these impressive institutions I ask students if they
feel they have made the right choice. All emphatically
say “yes”.
It is this ringing endorsement from 14–18 year olds
that gives me such pride in the movement that the late
Ron Dearing and I founded in 2009. The benefits of
our efforts are evident for students the moment they
leave a UTC – no student has joined the ranks of the
unemployed. Students from UTCs stay in full-time study,
start an apprenticeship, get a job, or go to university.
Little wonder that Prime Minister David Cameron has
said, “Let’s have one of these colleges in every single
major town”.
For the first time in our history,
employers are actively involved
in what and how students
are learning. More than 500 employers support UTCs,
including Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Network Rail and
Microsoft, as well as scores of small and medium sized
businesses. Together with nearly 50 universities they
have given their time, their insights and their technical
expertise to direct the curriculum of individual UTCs.
More than this, they also step into classrooms, mentor
and inspire students, and make sure young people are
well prepared to succeed in vital technical industries.
Their role in designing and delivering real-world projects
is fundamental to the success of the UTC movement.
The UK needs advanced technical skills at all levels
if we are to prosper in the 21st century. Whether
in manufacturing, wind farms, rail links or hi-tech
hospitals we need a workforce that can develop new
products, stretch and reuse existing resources, and
meet all the challenges of the future.
This is what university technical colleges do. We inspire
and equip our young people so that they can make
these things a reality. By 2016 more than 30,000
students will be able to follow this new technical
education pathway to access this unique approach to
technical education. I invite you to join us.
In this booklet you can find out about these remarkable
institutions and read what students, teachers,
employers and parents think of them.
Chairman
Baker Dearing Educational Trust
4
www.utcolleges.org
What are UTCs?
University technical colleges (UTCs) are government funded schools that offer 14–18 year olds a
great deal more than traditional schools. They teach students technical and scientific subjects in a
whole new way and are educating the inventors, engineers, scientists and technicians of tomorrow.
Students at the JCB Academy
By integrating technical, practical and academic
learning, they create an environment where students
can thrive and develop the abilities that employers
need.
To do this UTCs:
¾ focus on one or two technical specialisms
¾ work with employers and a local university to
develop and deliver their curriculum
¾ relate the content of academic subjects to their
technical specialisms
¾ have the latest equipment and technology used by
industry
¾ dedicate at least 40% of time to the technical
specialism including design and building, working
in teams and problem solving.
By working with a university and local employers, UTC
students benefit from access to:
¾ the latest research, industry experts and specialist
facilities
¾ real-life employer projects that stretch their
technical skills and creative thinking
¾ teaching and mentoring from specialists who
currently work in industry.
UTCs are academies and are smaller than traditional
secondary schools. They are not academically
selective and charge no fees.
UTCs typically have 600 students, are sub regional
and their catchment area may extend across a
number of local authorities.
The UTC offers opportunities to observe and experience equipment way beyond that
found in schools and colleges to study the activities and processes used in commerce
and industry.
Roger Alexander - Teacher of Science, Wigan UTC Academy
5
TECHNICAL SPECIALISMS
UTCs specialise in subjects where there
is a shortage of skills. These include:
Teaching at the UTC has been a phenomenal
experience and a tremendous learning curve.
The students are exciting to be around and I am
constantly amazed by their innovation, creativity and
daily triumphs.”
Elinor Arter – Director of English and Humanities,
Royal Greenwich UTC
Engineering
Students at Wigan UTC
Manufacturing
Health sciences
Product design
Digital technologies
Student and teacher at Black Country UTC
Built environment
A GROWING NETWORK
At the start of 2014
there were 17 UTCs
open in England.
By 2016 there will
be 50 UTCs across
the country.
I like attending at the UTC because it is a
different style of learning that I think will
better prepare me for my upcoming GCSEs and the
world of work beyond.”
Harry Dyte, Year 10, Bristol Technology and
Engineering Academy
6
www.utcolleges.org
Duke of York Award for Technical Education
The Duke of York Award for Technical Education acknowledges the success of young people choosing
technical education and encourages wider support from parents, businesses and other stakeholders.
Open to students at UTCs the Award recognises a combination of qualifications, work experience
placements and the development of wider competencies required in the workplace such as
communication skills and problem solving. For many students, it is the first step towards becoming
Registered Technicians.
HRH The Duke of York visits Visions Learning Trust
At Centrica Storage we are delighted to be supporting UTCs, which are changing the
nature of education and giving students an experience they cannot get anywhere else.
The UTCs offer students the opportunity to join British engineering as the next generation
of technicians, engineers and business leaders.
Brendan Conlan, Operations and Engineering Manager, Centrica Storage
7
How are universities and
employers involved in UTCs?
Universities and employers have a strong influence over the teaching and learning
that students receive at a UTC. Each UTC works closely with a local university and
a range of employers from the very beginning, deciding together on which technical
specialisms the UTC should focus. Their decision depends on the skill shortages in
the region, as well as the specialist interests of the university.
The university and employers back the UTC, control the governing body and
contribute their knowledge, insight and skills as well as offering opportunities
to experience the world of work. They provide leadership in the structure of the
curriculum and endorse the qualifications offered at a UTC.
The employers working with a UTC vary according to the region, but will include a range
of businesses of all sizes, and sometimes public sector organisations such as hospitals.
Employers
Universities
¾ make sure that the curriculum gives
students the employability skills they
need in the workplace
¾ work with teachers to create employer
projects that focus on real-life
challenges and are relevant to industry
¾ give students high-quality and relevant
experience of work
¾ support and mentor students, guiding
them on career routes and options
¾ provide access to their facilities to
inspire and inform students.
¾ provide teaching staff to help in
specialist subjects, e.g. maths for
engineering
¾ give students an insight into university
life and ensure they are fully prepared
for higher education
¾ organise access to specialist
equipment and facilities on campus
¾ provide individual mentors
for students
¾ guide students on the best study
route for their goals.
The Black Country UTC has prepared me for the
world of employment and also given me a head
start. I am one of only 60 candidates from over 6000 that
applied to have secured a higher apprenticeship position at
Jaguar Land Rover.”
Joe Symonds, a former year 13 student, Black Country UTC.
8
Staff and students at UTC Plymouth
UTC’s create a route for technician engineers with practical skills that can be more
readily used in the workplace. They give students an early career focus to help engender
engineering aspirations through specialist teaching and equipment. Siemens UK fully
supports the UTC ethos and vision and is delighted to support the Black Country UTC,
investing in the skills of the future.
Brian Holliday - Divisional Director, Industrial Automation, Siemens UK
Students at UTC Reading tackle the Thames Water challenge
Filming at The Elstree UTC
9
Learning at a UTC
The UTCs challenge students to think creatively and independently. By showing students just how
much they can do with the knowledge and skills they gain each day, UTCs inspire them to stretch
and expand capabilities.
An integrated approach
Technical, academic and practical education are
valued equally at a UTC. Academic subjects are linked
to the technical specialisms and help students to
understand their relevance in work.
Time spent on practical learning
Students spend at least 40% of their time on
technical studies. This includes working on realworld projects and designing, developing and testing
products and technologies. They are motivated and
inspired by seeing how they can apply their academic
and technical knowledge to designing and building
21st-century products and services.
Employer developed projects
Students work on termly projects that have been
developed and set by employers. These have real
relevance to the employer and include practical and
theoretical elements. Students work in teams which
helps to build their confidence and communication
skills.
Employability skills
A UTC education equips students with essential
soft skills including self-management, team
working, problem solving and customer awareness.
Employers regularly mentor students, arrange visits
to their premises and provide opportunities for work
experience in a wide range of areas.
Careers guidance integrated into all studies
Guidance and advice on careers are integrated into
all technical and academic subjects. Students can
access one-to-one help if they wish to look at a career
option in more detail. Employers, the university and
other visitors may also give talks to explain what their
jobs and research involve.
An adult working day
Days typically start at 8.30am and end at 4.00pm on
Mondays and Fridays, and at 5.00pm for the rest of
the week. Students generally do all their homework
at school as each day includes private study periods.
During school hours, students are expected to dress
and act professionally, as they would in the work
place.
More time to learn in depth
The school year is 40 weeks and, with the longer day,
provides the time students need to delve more deeply
into their technical area of interest and to complete
practical tasks.
Enrichment activities
All students take part in extracurricular activities
linked to the technical specialisms, or in other areas
such as sport, art or drama. Students may also have
access to university sport facilities and equipment.
My daughter cannot wait to get up in the
morning and head off to school which is a
transformation – we’re over the moon all round.”
Parent, Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
Why start at 14?
11 is too early to choose a specialist path, and 16 can be too late. If a 14 year old student knows where
their interests lie, and can’t see the relevance of what they are studying, they can become frustrated and
underperform by the time that are 16. The integrated and practical nature of the UTC curriculum shows students exactly where their learning can take them. Because they gain Level 2 technical qualifications equivalent to GCSEs at 16 it also gives them a head start and they are ready to enrol in higher-level qualifications.
10
www.utcolleges.org
The curriculum - how does it work?
UTCs focus on giving students the qualifications and skills to progress, no matter which career
path or study route they choose. Each student leaves with skills and knowledge that are valuable
in the modern economy. They are well prepared for their next step, whether they start working
immediately, opt for an apprenticeship, or choose to study for a university degree.
AGE 14 – 16
AGE 16 - 18
¾ 60% of time is spent on academic subjects and
40% on studying the specialist technical area.
These two aspects are closely integrated
¾ Typically 60% of time is spent on technical studies.
This includes specialised, job-related courses that
lead to professional qualifications, and the academic
A level subjects as they relate to the technical area
60%
General
education &
bridging core
studies
40%
Technical
studies
¾ A great deal of learning time is dedicated to practical activities, such as designing and building
products, working in teams and solving real-world
problems
¾ Students can choose to study a foreign language
either to GCSE or another appropriate qualification
¾ All students learn about business and enterprise
and are taught IT skills relevant to industry
¾ All students take part in enrichment activities, such
as sport, drama and art.
40%
General
education &
bridging core
studies
60%
Technical
studies
¾ 40% of time is spent on activities that bridge the
technical and the academic subjects, and on general education, including maths and English
¾ A great deal of learning time is dedicated to practical activities, such as designing and building
products, working in teams and solving real-world
challenges
¾ Students spend time in planned work placements
relevant to their interests and technical focus.
The employer engagement helps to focus students’ minds on their chosen area of specialism. It also helps
them embed their academic studies and they see the relationship between core studies and their specialism.“
Nicholas Han, Head of Construction, Buckinghamshire UTC
11
Progression routes
Although UTCs have a technical focus, students receive a broad education. This offers many
different routes to success and allows students to change direction at 16 or 18 to pursue new
interests and careers pathways.
Students at Aston University
Engineering Academy
Students at Royal Greenwich UTC
visit the Thames Barrier
My son wanted to be an engineer, now thanks to attending the UTC, he’s well on his way to becoming one.
The teaching at the UTC is of the highest standard and the students are really focused.”
Parent, Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy
Students at Buckinghamshire UTC get advice from Pete Redfern, Chief Executive of Taylor Wimpey
12
www.utcolleges.org
AGE 14
Start at a UTC
AGE 15
GCSEs and equivalent technical qualifications
including English, maths and two sciences
AGE 16
Start at a UTC
Stay at a UTC
AGE 17
AGE 18+
Start an Advanced
Apprenticeship
Leave to attend
sixth form or FE
college
A levels and equivalent technical qualifications
Start a Higher
Apprenticeship
Start a job
Start a degree
Registered Technician
Achieve chartered status
Spotlight on
individual UTCs
Across the country students are learning in UTCs that offer the latest equipment
and facilities. The following pages highlight a selection of UTCs, their technical
specialisms and many of the universities and employers that support them.
14
www.utcolleges.org
Aston University Engineering Academy
1 Lister Street
Birmingham
B7 4AG
0121 380 0570
[email protected]
www.auea.co.uk
Employers and university backers:
Artemide, Cundall, Mitsubishi Materials, National Grid, Rolls-Royce and Aston University.
Black Country UTC
Vernon Way
Walsall
West Midlands
WS3 2PA
01922 470 763
[email protected]
www.blackcountryutc.co.uk
Employers and university backers:
Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Walsall College and University of Wolverhampton.
15
Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy
New Road
Stoke Gifford
Bristol
BS34 8SF
0117 969 0154
[email protected]
www.bteacademy.co.uk
Employers and university backers:
GKN, Airbus, City of Bristol College, Rolls-Royce and University of the West of England.
Buckinghamshire UTC
Oxford Road
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP21 8PB
01296 388 688
reception@
buckinghamshireutc.co.uk
www.buckinghamshireutc.co.uk
Employers and university backers:
Aylesbury College, Cisco, DHL, ESRI UK, McAfee, Taylor Wimpey and Bucks New University.
16
www.utcolleges.org
Daventry UTC
Ashby Road
Daventry
NN11 0QE
01327 877 684
[email protected]
www.daventryutc.com
Employers and university backers:
Cummins, Hi-Force Hydraulics, Kier Group, Prologis, Quartz Elec, Shepherd and The University of Northampton.
Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
41 Greenland Street
Liverpool
L1 0BS
0151 230 1320
[email protected]
www.lifesciencesutc.co.uk
Employers and university backers: 2Bio, North Liverpool Academy, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University
Hospital Trust, Croda, Eden, Biodesign, Liverpool Community Health, LGC Forensics, Mast, Novartis, Pro-Lab
Diagnostics, Redx, Pharma, Siemens, Terumo, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Unilever and the University of Liverpool.
17
Royal Greenwich UTC
765 Woolwich Road
London
SE7 8LJ
020 8331 7500
[email protected]
www.greenwichutc.com
Employers and university backers:
Royal Borough of Greenwich, Transport for London, Wates and University of Greenwich.
Silverstone UTC
Silverstone Circuit
Towcester
Northamptonshire
NN12 8TL
01327 855 010
[email protected]
www.utc-silverstone.co.uk
Employers and university backers:
Silverstone, Siemens, Tresham College and The University of Northampton.
18
www.utcolleges.org
The Elstree UTC
Studio Way
Borehamwood
Hertfordshire
WD6 1WD
020 8386 6220
[email protected]
www.elstreeutc.co.uk
Employers and university backers:
BBC, Elstree Studios, Universal Music Group and University of Hertfordshire.
The JCB Academy
Mill Street
Rocester
Staffordshire
ST14 5JX
01889 506 100
[email protected]
www.jcbacademy.com
Employers and university backers:
JCB, IET, Network Rail, Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Harper Adams University
19
UTC Plymouth
Park Avenue
Devonport
Plymouth
PL1 4RL
01752 284 250
[email protected]
www.utcplymouth.org
Employers and university backers: Algram, Babcock International, Kawasaki, MGB Engineering, Ministry of Defence,
MVV Environment, Pipex, Plymouth Manufacturing Group, Princess Yachts, Rittal CSM, Royal Navy, Spinnaker,
Tooltech, UTC Aerospace, Wrigley and Plymouth University.
UTC Reading
Crescent Road
East Reading
RG1 5RQ
0118 938 1020
[email protected]
www.utcreading.co.uk
Employers and university backers:
Activate Learning, Cisco, Microsoft, Network Rail, PBA and University of Reading.
20
www.utcolleges.org
UTC Sheffield
111 Matilda Street
Sheffield
S1 4QF
0114 260 3970
[email protected]
www.utcsheffield.org.uk
Employers and university backers:
Newburgh, Rolls-Royce, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Siemens, Sumo Digital, Tata Steel, Warp and Sheffield
Hallam University.
Visions Learning Trust
Victoria Mill
Trafalgar Street
Burnley
Lancashire
BB11 1RA
01282 446 240
[email protected]
www.visionslearningtrust.co.uk
Employers and university backers: Barnfield Construction, Blackpool Council, Burnley Borough Council, Chubb,
Global Renewables, Lancashire County Council, National Grid, Paradigm Precision, Rolls-Royce, Training 2000,
Liverpool John Moores University and University of Central Lancashire.
21
Wigan UTC Academy
New Market Street
Wigan
Greater Manchester
WN1 1RP
01942 614 440
[email protected]
www.wiganutc.org
Employers and university backers:
Energos, Martin Ainscough Holdings, Milliken Industries, Murrelektronic, Siemens, STEGTA and University of
Central Lancashire.
22
Student at Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy
Organisations backing UTCs
More than 500 employers and nearly 50 universities, including those selected here, support UTCs.
24
www.utcolleges.org
The links with industry are great, we get to work with real engineers
and see into the manufacturing processes within real life working
industries.”
Ambrine Hussain - Year 13, Aston University Engineering Academy
25
Get involved
Universities and employers
UTCs are your opportunity to influence secondary education, share the enthusiasm you have for your subject
and help equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge to take your organisation successfully into
the future. If you are interested in becoming a UTC sponsor please contact Baker Dearing Educational Trust
at [email protected].
Parents and students
Even if there isn’t a UTC in your neighbourhood you can still get involved. UTCs take students from a wide area
– intake is based on interest rather than on geography.
Many UTCs scheduled to open over the next few years are already holding events and open days where you can
speak directly to staff and find out more about the UTC approach.
Visit our website for more information: www.utcolleges.org
Behind the UTC network
Baker Dearing Educational Trust was founded by Lord Baker and Lord Dearing to promote the concept of university
technical colleges. Today we are a small, flexible organisation that sits at the centre of the UTC network. Our focus
is on promoting and supporting new and existing UTCs.
Helping new UTCs
We support applications to open new UTCs, helping applicants to navigate the process and lending our experience
and support where it is needed. Working closely with the Department for Education, we make sure that the
expected number of UTCs open on time and on budget.
Supporting existing UTCs
We help UTCs benefit from being a part of a bigger network by providing opportunities to share good practice,
attend seminars, and stretch budgets through the power of joint procurement.
Our educational advisers help to develop the curriculum and advise on suitable technical qualifications. We
also support UTCs with setting standards, issues around leadership and management, and by liaising with the
universities and employers who are backing local UTCs.
Increasing understanding
We raise awareness of UTCs with the government, the media and the public. By increasing the profile of UTCs we aim
to ensure that everyone has an understanding of what they offer young people, employers and the wider community.
We also represent the interests of UTCs in relation to the curriculum, qualifications and government policy.
26
www.utcolleges.org
University technical colleges have the potential to transform
the status and quality of technical education, offering brilliant
opportunities to young people and meeting future needs of
employers for educationally and technically competent staff.
This is win-win for all concerned.
The Rt Hon Lord Adonis
Baker Dearing Educational Trust
4 Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 3JA
Telephone: 020 7960 1555
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.utcolleges.org
Patron
HRH The Duke of York, KG
Trustees
The Rt Hon Lord Baker of Dorking CH
The Rt Hon Lord Adonis
Gordon Birtwistle MP
Allan Cook CBE
The Rt Hon Frank Field MP
Sir John Rose
Sir Kevin Satchwell
Dame Ruth Silver DBE
Nigel Thomas
Sir Mike Tomlinson CBE
Registered charity no 1138894.
Registered company no 7390138.
I love attending the UTC. It’s the new, modern way
to learn! I don’t like to see it as school. I see it as
a working environment surrounded by people that share
the same interest as me. I feel like it’s my second home.”
Will Garside, Year 10, Silverstone UTC
Baker Dearing Educational Trust is supported by a number of major sponsors
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