UTC Swindon takes centre stage with innovative lecture theatre

With a state-of-the-art retractable seating system now in place, UTC Swindon’s lecture theatre is now one of the towns largest. Seating 156 people, the work was financed by energy-efficient mixed-signal circuits manufacturer, Dialog Semiconductor, which is an integral partner of UTC Swindon.

The theatre, which also features a fully integrated PA system, is available to hire for just £60.00 per hour. Food and refreshments can also be arranged through BAM Catering at additional cost.

Regular users of the theatre include IET (The Institute of Engineering and Technology), which aims to inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community. IET is also a partner of UTC Swindon.

Speaking of the new theatre, Angela Barker-Dench, principal at UTC Swindon, said: “We’re so grateful to Dialog Semiconductor for making this possible. We now have the largest and best quality lecture theatre in the area. As well as benefiting our students, this facility will become even more popular among organisations needing a venue for lectures, seminars and talks.”

In 2014, Dialog Semiconductor donated £40,000 to UTC Swindon for specialist equipment and a further £40,000 towards its first academic year costs.

UTC Swindon caters for 600 students aged 14 to 19, providing courses for young people who aspire to a career in engineering, computing and business. Students at the college gain skills demanded in all sectors of the engineering and computing industries.

As part of the original Great Western Rail works, the award-winning UTC Swindon site creates a link between the engineering history and the engineering and computing future of the local area, with the Old School Building and the iconic Water Tower featuring prominently. Both structures, which are Grade II listed, were treated sympathetically, with the Water Tower being restored and brought back into educational use.

UTC Swindon is run by a trust sponsored by Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and Oxford Brookes University. There are over 90 different industry partners involved with the University Technical College.

To apply for a place at UTC Swindon, email info@utcswindon.co.uk or download the application form at www.utcswindon.co.uk.

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