UK’s first ‘outstanding’ UTC to launch new apprenticeship partnership

University Technical College Reading has become the first school of its type in the country to be given an outstanding rating by education's regulatory body Ofsted.

Bernadette Ballantyne
18 June 2015

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The UTC opened in 2013 and this September will launch a new centre for engineering apprenticeships in the South East, supported by major industry players across Thames Valley.

Inspectors, who visited the school in May, praised its business-like ethos, commenting that “students are prepared exceptionally well for their future lives” and that “teachers’ high expectations of all students are matched by students’ keenness to learn and succeed”.

“The school is characterised by excellent working relationships with its industry partners, which gives students the best possible foundations for their future careers." UTC Reading principal Joanne Harper 

UTC Reading provides a curriculum specialising in computer science and engineering to pupils aged 14 to 19. It is sponsored by Activate Learning and receives support from leading industry and education partners including Microsoft, Cisco, Network Rail, Peter Brett Associates and University of Reading.“Everyone connected to UTC Reading is immensely proud of the school and this Ofsted report recognises the high standards that have been achieved in a relatively short space of time" said Principal Joanne Harper. 

“The school is characterised by excellent working relationships with its industry partners, which gives students the best possible foundations for their future careers. Our partners have helped to shape the curriculum and continue to work with us to set projects, offer work experience and providing mentoring. This is what sets the school apart and we are delighted that this has been reflected in the comments from the Ofsted inspectors," she added.

Martin Dix, partner at Peter Brett Associates LLP, said “Since inception PBA has collaborated with UTC Reading on supporting the curriculum, providing work experience opportunities, workshops, taster events and practical project experience. We are delighted as a lead industry sponsor; UTC has achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating.  PBA is really proud to have been involved in supporting this school."

He added that as a practice PBA's ethos is to support continuous development and training of employees through apprenticeships, bursaries and sponsorship of Master courses. “As a leading employer in Reading we are also committed to training the next generation of engineers and look forward to supporting the new apprenticeship programme to be introduced at UTC from September.”

“We are excited to be launching the apprenticeship programme as the logical next step in our development as a renowned centre for engineering education and skills." UTC Reading's Michael Halliday 

From September UTC Reading will be offering a new engineering apprenticeship programme. Working in partnership with Peter Brett Associates and Activate Enterprise, UTC Reading will offer a combined course enabling apprentices to work towards a BTEC Level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment, an NVQ Level 3 and EngTech status.  

The 22 module day release BTEC course will feature seven co-delivered modules allowing Peter Brett Associates to give insight to the working life of an engineer and make the link between first principles, methods and theories taught in the class room and what happens across offices, sites and developments across the UK and beyond. The programme will provide a broad understanding of the industry as well as an appreciation for the built environment and the part engineers play in influencing where we live, how we live and how we interact with the infrastructure.

Through inclusive, creative and sustainable design, the course is open to school leavers and above with funding provided up to and including 21 years of age. Michael Halliday, business relations manager at UTC Reading, said: “We are excited to be launching the apprenticeship programme as the logical next step in our development as a renowned centre for engineering education and skills. We are delighted to be working with Peter Brett Associates and would also like to hear from other employers interested in the scheme.”

For further details contact Michael Halliday, business relations manager at UTC Reading on 0118 938 1029 or email michael.halliday@utcreading.org.uk