Post on 22-Jan-2016
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
South Wiltshire UTC
Specialising in Science & Engineering for the Defence & Protective Science Industries
www.wiltshire-utc.co.uk
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
What is a University Technical College?
• Brand new schools driven by employers and universities• Combine academic and technical education for 14-18s• Join at 14 or 16• Non-selective and free to attend• Large catchment areas (typically 20-mile radius)• All party support (see left, Lord Baker and Lord Adonis)• 45 open or in development each with c600 learners• Specialise in Engineering, Science and Technology• 8.30am – 5pm for 40 weeks a year• Students go on to employment, Apprenticeship or Uni• Learn through employer-set integrated projects• Ideal for young people who prefer active learning.
Courtesy of PHE
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
Timeline for South Wiltshire UTC• Approved by the Department for Education March 2013• Expressions of interest from tonight!• Confirm the site in July 2013 • Public consultation to shape the UTC in July/Aug 2013• Funding agreement signed with the Government in Aug 2013• Local Authority publishes prospectus in Sept 2013 • Year 10 applications by end Oct 2013• Year 12 applications by end Jan 2014• Results of applications known 1 Mar 2014• Main staff recruitment from early 2014• UTC opens Sept 2014
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
Why our UTC application was successful• Significant growth in Army presence and more
settled military families (Army 2020)• Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering are
major growth sectors for us• Porton Science Park confirmed• Huge opportunities for Science & Engineering
supply chain companies• Persistent outflow of learners from the area and
too few local applications for high quality jobs and Apprenticeships
• Relatively low participation in Science and Engineering at university level and graduates tend not to come back.
Crown copyright courtesy of Dstl
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
Very strong partnership driving the UTC
• University of Southampton• Wiltshire College• Tetricus Science Park• Public Health England• CBRN Defence Centre• Serco • Wiltshire Council
• 43 Wessex Brigade• QinetiQ• Chemring Countermeasures• Dstl• Esterline/Wallop Defence• Securebio• Defence Support Group
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
What are employers looking for?
• Andy Tudor from QinetiQ
• Phil Luton from Public Health England
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
Likely catchment area – 20 mile radius
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
What South Wiltshire UTC will offer• Entirely new 14-18 technical education
combining skills with academic learning• Access to specialist joint facilities at Porton
Down and at the University of Southampton• Hands-on learning through live projects,
specialist lecturers and access to world class employers
• Specialised post-16 Science and Engineering pathways to Uni or Higher Apprenticeships
• Strong links to the Army and organisations offering Science and Engineering jobs and Apprenticeships
• Strong focus on “employability” skills like team-working, leadership & problem-solving.
Courtesy of the University of Southampton
Courtesy of PHE
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
High Level Curriculum MapYears 10 and 11
Strong core of GCSEs +
Technical skills in Applied Science
+Technical skills in
Engineering
Work experience+ + Stretch and
personal development
Years 12 and 13
Strong core of A Levels +
Advanced Applied Science
or Advanced Engineering
Work experience+ + Stretch and
personal development
or skill development below Level 2
or Level 2 consolidation
Including AS
Including HE
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
Role of Employers• Sponsors – in kind• Confirming curriculum relevance • Helping design realistic work projects• Set out labour market needs • Specialist equipment and facilities• Providing specialist technical expertise• Work placements and mentoring.
University of Southampton• Sponsors – in kind• Designing an innovative curriculum• Advising on extension elements• Student mentors• Providing progression routes• Specialist lecturers, facilities & materials• Staff professional updating & mentoring.
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
What if we have too many applicants?• Top priority, for all schools, students with special
educational needs and looked after childrenthen
• Army families• Children in receipt of Free School Meals• Siblings of current students (once open)• Children of staff (after two years) or teachers in skill
shortage areas• Any applicant with main residence within 20 miles
(ballot)• Any applicant with main residence over 20 miles
(ballot)• Special priority for Year 11s entering Year 12
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
What do we do next?
• ASK QUESTIONS NOW!• Fill in your expression of interest• Sign-up for e-updates on
www.wiltshire-utc.co.uk• Follow us on Twitter • Ask us questions via the website• Contact me on
gordonraitken@gmail.com• Watch out for the public
consultation• Call my bluff on the “10 person
promise”!