Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
South Wiltshire UTC
Specialising in Science & Engineering
for the Defence & Protective Science Industries
www.wiltshire-utc.co.uk
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
What is a University Technical College?
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Courtesy of PHE
Brand new schools driven by employers and universities
Combine academic and technical education for 14-18s
Join at 14 or 16
Non-selective and free to attend
Large catchment areas (typically 20-mile radius)
All party support (see left, Lord Baker and Lord Adonis)
45 open or in development each with c600 learners
Specialise in Engineering, Science and Technology
8.30am – 5pm for 40 weeks a year
Students go on to employment, Apprenticeship or Uni
Learn through employer-set integrated projects
Ideal for young people who prefer active learning.
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
Timeline for South Wiltshire UTC
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Approved by the Department for Education March 2013
Expressions of interest from tonight!
Confirm the site in July 2013
Public consultation to shape the UTC in July/Aug 2013
Funding agreement signed with the Government in Aug 2013
Local Authority publishes prospectus in Sept 2013
Year 10 applications by end Oct 2013
Year 12 applications by end Jan 2014
Results of applications known 1 Mar 2014
Main staff recruitment from early 2014
UTC opens Sept 2014
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
Why our UTC application was successful
Crown copyright courtesy of Dstl
• Significant growth in Army presence and more
settled military families (Army 2020)
• Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering are
major growth sectors for us
• Porton Science Park confirmed
• Huge opportunities for Science & Engineering
supply chain companies
• Persistent outflow of learners from the area and
too few local applications for high quality jobs
and Apprenticeships
• Relatively low participation in Science and
Engineering at university level and graduates
tend not to come back.
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
Very strong partnership driving the UTC
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University of Southampton
Wiltshire College
Tetricus Science Park
Public Health England
CBRN Defence Centre
Serco
Wiltshire Council
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43 Wessex Brigade
QinetiQ
Chemring Countermeasures
Dstl
Esterline/Wallop Defence
Securebio
Defence Support Group
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
What are employers looking for?
• Andy Tudor from QinetiQ
• Phil Luton from Public Health England
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
Likely catchment area – 20 mile radius
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
What South Wiltshire UTC will offer
Courtesy of the University of Southampton
Courtesy of PHE
• Entirely new 14-18 technical education
combining skills with academic learning
• Access to specialist joint facilities at Porton
Down and at the University of Southampton
• Hands-on learning through live projects,
specialist lecturers and access to world class
employers
• Specialised post-16 Science and Engineering
pathways to Uni or Higher Apprenticeships
• Strong links to the Army and organisations
offering Science and Engineering jobs and
Apprenticeships
• Strong focus on “employability” skills like teamworking, leadership & problem-solving.
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
High Level Curriculum Map
Years 10 and 11
Strong core
of GCSEs
+
or skill
development
below Level 2
Technical
skills in
Applied
Science
+
Technical
skills in
Engineering
+
Work
experience
+
Stretch and
personal
development
Including AS
Years 12 and 13
Strong core
of A Levels
or Level 2
consolidation
+
Advanced
Applied
Science
or
Advanced
Engineering
+
Work
experience
+
Stretch and
personal
development
Including HE
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
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Role of Employers
Sponsors – in kind
Confirming curriculum relevance
Helping design realistic work projects
Set out labour market needs
Specialist equipment and facilities
Providing specialist technical expertise
Work placements and mentoring.
University of Southampton
Sponsors – in kind
Designing an innovative curriculum
Advising on extension elements
Student mentors
Providing progression routes
Specialist lecturers, facilities & materials
Staff professional updating & mentoring.
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
What if we have too many applicants?
• Top priority, for all schools, students with special
educational needs and looked after children
then
• Army families
• Children in receipt of Free School Meals
• Siblings of current students (once open)
• Children of staff (after two years) or teachers in skill
shortage areas
• Any applicant with main residence within 20 miles
(ballot)
• Any applicant with main residence over 20 miles
(ballot)
• Special priority for Year 11s entering Year 12
Gordon Aitken, Project Manager
What do we do next?
• ASK QUESTIONS NOW!
• Fill in your expression of interest
• Sign-up for e-updates on
www.wiltshire-utc.co.uk
• Follow us on Twitter
• Ask us questions via the website
• Contact me on
gordonraitken@gmail.com
• Watch out for the public
consultation
• Call my bluff on the “10 person
promise”!