Class of 2020 – Kieran Vickers
19-year-old Kieran Vickers is starting a new chapter in his life to study Aerospace Technology at Coventry University after his successful A Level results at the UTC.
Kieran joined the UTC to do a Pre-Apprenticeship course in Engineering. He completed the Extended Diploma in Engineering alongside Business, receiving DMM, and is now set to start university in September.
He said: “I moved to the UTC because it was more specialised in terms of Engineering and offered a more practical course. Even though my old school offered Engineering, they didn’t have the same level of facilities or links with top employers like the UTC, and it was mainly written work.
“I didn’t enjoy my old school as they didn’t engage with us. The UTC has been really supportive.”
Kieran took part in a variety of employer projects whilst at the UTC: “I enjoyed taking part in the Field Gun competition with the Navy, and have had opportunities to link my studies with top employers. One unit I studied linked with Toyota and they briefed us with designing a system/product that would enable the 16 valves to be fitted that could be used within a production system. That is an experience I wouldn’t have had at my old school.”
The practical elements were what persuaded Kieran to apply to the UTC. He said: “The UTC brought a practical and hands on side to Engineering which is more up my street and made my experience better.
Talking about his achievements, Kieran said: “I’m really proud of my experience at the UTC. I’ve built my confidence through employer engagements and through doing things practically. I never used to be able to speak with large groups of people and now I am happy talking in those situations. I wouldn’t have got where I am now without the UTC.”
Kieran commuted to the UTC from outside Derby. “I commuted half an hour on the train each day but it was definitely worth it. I was willing to make that commitment in order to study at the UTC because of what it offered me.
“If you come to the UTC it’s a great opportunity to learn about the different areas and routes you can go down within Engineering. You can get a feel for what you enjoy most and work towards your own individual goals.”
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.