UTC Swindon celebrates first year with student awards 

UTC Swindon marked the end of its first academic year with a student awards ceremony on Wednesday 29 July at its state of the art site in Swindon. Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Disabled People attended the event. 

Among the award winners were students who excelled in subjects such as engineering, English, mathematics, physics, science, business, computing, ICT, geography and German. There were further awards for UTC Swindon’s young enterprise student of the year, those with a 100 per cent attendance record and students who made significant progress throughout the academic year.

The college also paid tribute to its nine student ambassadors. These students took on special responsibilities such as participating in teacher recruitment interviews, acting as the voice of students and project management.

The ceremony concluded with UTC Swindon presenting the student of the year awards to Lewis Mason and Katie Wood of year 10 and 12, respectively. Throughout the year, these students impressed with their work ethic and willingness to embrace the ethos of UTC Swindon.

UTC Swindon took the time to acknowledge the contribution from the teaching staff. The student voted for award was presented to engineering lecturer, Tony Jordan. Tony made a lasting impression on the students with his engaging approach to teaching and constructive support throughout the year.    

Justin Tomlinson MP, who gave the opening speech at the ceremony, said: “It has been a fantastic year for the UTC and I am glad that I have been able to join them on the incredible journey so far. From the official opening with HRH the Duke of Kent, to launching our manifesto here with the Prime Minister. What makes the UTC special is the remarkable dedication of its staff and students, who go to great lengths to unlock potential and fulfil ambitions. It is clear that the college sets a shining example to the rest of the country, and I am very proud to have it here in Swindon.”

Angela Barker-Dench, principal of UTC Swindon, said: “It’s great to recognise the achievements of our students as we celebrate our first year. They’ve all progressed so well through their studies and work placements, making a smooth transition into young adulthood. These students have been a part of a great year for the college and we can’t wait to continue our exciting work in September.”

UTC Swindon opened its doors in September 2014. It caters for 600 students aged 14 to 19, providing courses for young people who aspire to a career in engineering. Students at the college can gain the skills necessary across all sectors of the engineering industries.

As part of the original Great Western Rail works, the UTC Swindon site creates a link between the engineering history and the engineering 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 in 2015, email info@utcswindon.co.uk or download the application form at www.utcswindon.co.uk.

For more information, call UTC Swindon on 01793 207920.

Like UTC Swindon on Facebook: www.facebook.com/utcswindon  

Follow us on Twitter: @utcswindon

Ends

Editor’s notes

Full list of winners at the UTC Swindon student awards