TECHNICAL SCHOOLS PRODUCE CAREER CONFIDENT TEENAGERS

Figures published today by Baker Dearing Educational Trust show almost 9 out of 10 students that attend University Technical Colleges (87%) feel confident in their ability to succeed in work. What’s more, 86% are confident of getting a job that suits their skills when they leave education. The findings are taken from a survey of 850 14-18 year old students from UTCs across England in June 2015.

The survey also revealed that nearly three quarters (70%) of UTC students felt that their prospects were better than if they stayed in a mainstream school.

When comparing their UTC to their previous school, UTCs came out top in all aspects. The difference was most stark when comparing links to businesses (85% said they were better) and specialist equipment (86% said it was better).

Two thirds of UTC students (68%) already know the career they want to pursue when they leave education. 40% plan to go to University and around a quarter (26%) plan to do an apprenticeship.

Facilities and equipment are the most important factor (95%) for students when they are considering a UTC followed by hands on learning (92%), opportunities for work experience (90%) and the technical specialism (89%).

In March this year, The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) published findings from an international study about gender equality in schools. The report identified that girls lack self-confidence in science and maths. However, data from the Baker Dearing sample suggests that girls at UTCs in years 10 and 11 are more confident as far as science and maths are concerned than the average schoolgirl their age in the UK.

Lord Baker, Chairman of Baker Dearing Educational Trust, the charity behind UTCs, said:

“These findings confirm that students who attend University Technical Colleges are gaining an education that gives them greater confidence in finding a job, one that suits their skills and pays well. Although it is still early days, UTC are already playing an important role in helping to train and nurture a future workforce of highly skilled technicians, scientists and engineers.”

Angela Barker-Dench, Principal at UTC Swindon, also commented:

“As the first academic year at UTC Swindon has now drawn to a close, we have been incredibly impressed with the students desire to succeed in work. Their skills have developed extremely well and we have already seen them exploring their options about where an education from UTC Swindon can take them, whether it is university or into the workplace. We pride ourselves on our industry standard equipment, with these facilities in place it is clear to see the students become excited about their education and show an extra willingness to learn.”

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Notes to editors

For UTC Swindon media enquiries, please contact Emma De Maio, redheadPR, 07921 160 134, emma@redheadpr.co.uk. 

About Baker Dearing Educational Trust

Baker Dearing Educational Trust was founded by Lord Baker and Lord Dearing to promote the concept of university technical colleges. It is a small, flexible organisation that sits at the centre of the UTC network and focuses on promoting and supporting new and existing UTCs.

About University Technical Colleges

• The UK needs advanced technical skills if we are to prosper in the 21^st century. UTCs are teaching the inventors, engineers, scientists and technicians of tomorrow.

• University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are technical secondary schools for 14-18 year olds. They offer a broad curriculum that combines an academic education with technical and practical learning.

• UTCs integrate technical, practical and academic learning. They use the latest equipment and technology to provide an environment where students can thrive and develop the skills employers need.

• A university and local employers back each UTC.

• More than 600 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 contribute their knowledge as well as offering opportunities to experience the world of work.

• UTCs teach one or more technical specialisms that meet the skills shortages in the region. These include: engineering; manufacturing; health sciences; product design; digital technologies; and the built environment.

·         39 UTCs are open and there will be more than 55 open by 2017. When fully operational there will be places for more than 37,000 students.

• Students from UTCs stay in full time study, start an apprenticeship, or get a job. So far no student has joined the ranks of the unemployed.