UTC Derby Pride Park students celebrate results success
UTC Derby Pride Park students are getting ready for the stage of their careers after receiving their A Level and technical qualification results this week.
The majority of students are progressing to a range of degree courses including aerospace technology, chemistry, civil engineering, computer science, maths, mechanical engineering and motorsport engineering.
Destinations include the University of Bristol, the University of Coventry, the University of Derby, the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and De Montfort University in Leicester.
Richie Wheatcroft, Principal of UTC Derby Pride Park, said: “I am very proud of our students, particularly given this unprecedented academic year and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.”
He added: “Training young people in the high level skills that are valued by employers is at the heart of everything we do and vital for economic recovery. I would like to wish our students all the very best for the future, and thank our staff and employer partners for their support.”
UTC Derby Pride Park, on Locomotive Way, is a technical school for 13 to 19-year-olds that specialises in engineering, with health and life sciences also being offered from September 2020. The UTC is backed by some of world’s best-known companies including Bombardier, Rolls-Royce and Toyota, and the University of Derby and Derby College.
Ewan Carson, aged 18, is heading off to the University of Bath to study a Degree in Chemistry for Drug Discovery after achieving strong A Level results. He said: “I got an A in chemistry, B in physics and a C in maths, and got into my first-choice university.”
Ewan joined the UTC in 2016 as a Year 10 student. He said: “I moved to the UTC because I had an interest in engineering and it was the best pathway choice for me, as the UTC has fantastic facilities and works with employers. Both my grandad and my dad worked at Rolls-Royce so I had previously spent time with them working on engineering projects at home.”
Whilst at the UTC, Ewan worked with employers on a range of different projects: “We worked on projects with Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Bombardier. We worked in teams to design a train for Bombardier last year and the winning teams presented their designs to Bombardier in their offices. I was in the team that won, and that was a great experience.”
Since studying at the UTC, Ewan has developed a new passion for chemistry. He said: “Chemistry quickly became my favourite subject and now I’m going on to study it at university. After my degree I’d like to look into more pharmaceutical roles and job options.”
Talking about his next steps, Ewan said: “I’m really excited about moving to Bath in September. I think the UTC has prepared me well for the future and university. They’ve supported me throughout and reassured me that I can make my own choices.”
He added: “I’ve developed soft skills alongside my studies such as my confidence and teamwork through working on industry projects and in groups with my peers on challenging projects. These skills will help me when I go to university and have prepared me for life beyond the UTC.”
Kieran Vickers, aged 19, is progressing to a Degree in Aerospace Technology at the University of Coventry. Kieran has completed a technical qualification in engineering alongside business, achieving a distinction, merit, merit.
He said: “I’m really proud of my experience at the UTC. I moved to the UTC because it was more specialised in terms of engineering and offered a more practical course. I’ve built my confidence through employer engagements and through doing things practically.”
Kieran added: “I never used to be able to speak up and now I am happy talking to people. I wouldn’t have got where I am now without the UTC. After university I’m hoping to go into the project management side of Engineering. I’d like to run projects supporting the maintenance of aircrafts.”
University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are technical schools backed by employers that have been set up to train the next generation of young people in the skills that their regional economy needs, and focus on technical specialisms.
Students learn from industry experts in specialist high tech facilities and complete GCSEs and A Levels as well as technical qualifications. Employers support the curriculum by setting industry projects and providing work experience and placements.
Young people can join UTC Derby Pride Park in Year 9 at the age of 13, in Year 10 at the age of 14 or in Year 12 at the age of 16. After completing their studies at the UTC, students will be able to progress to high quality apprenticeships and a wide range of degree opportunities at universities.
Places are still available for this September. Apply now. Visit https://www.utcderby.org.uk/