Influence Conference 2013 STEAM Museum, 19 March 2013

1. UTC Swindon – An Educational
movement
by Simon Peet
Engineering Manager at Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells
Director of the UTC Swindon

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What is a UTC?
• University Technical Colleges are a new concept in education.
• They offer 14-19 year olds the opportunity for a full time, technically-oriented course
of study.
• They are equipped to the highest standard, sponsored by a university (OBU) and offer
clear progression routes into higher and further education or learning in work.
• Sponsored by Industrial Employer (JMFC) and team of supporting Industrial firms to
ensure the college is aligned to the needs of Industry.
• The students learn in a very practical way, integrating national curriculum requirements
with the technical and vocational elements.
• The UTC ethos and curriculum is heavily influenced by local and national employers who
also provide support and work experience for students.
• UTCs specialize in subjects that require leading edge technology and equipped to the
highest standards.
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3. Why is JMFC Sponsoring UTC
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Swindon?
• A community investment project that will benefit local Industry.
Ensuring technical skills and roles can be maintained in the UK
• Availability of young Engineers is in decline.
• Hands on practical engineering skills is diminishing.
• Communication skills undeveloped – little experience of working
in a team environment.
• No experience of working in a diverse community of people, of
having to interact at all levels.
• Manufacturing skills becoming increasingly technical. Requiring
higher skill levels.
• We want engineering to once again be exciting, challenging and
something the students are proud to be involved in.
• Change the perception of Engineering.
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Partner support for the UTC Swindon
• Aim to give any company with an Engineering, technical or
Enterprise background the opportunity to be involved.
• Companies across the full 18 mile radius catchment area –
into all 4 counties as well as Swindon itself.
UTC Swindon
• From small businesses through to multi nationals. Aim is to have
30-40 partner companies with a range of levels of involvement
• Being a partner is not about giving money.
• More important is your time, experience, learning, expertise and
requirements as an employer.
• Only you know what kind of technical people your business needs
for the future – this your chance to make sure it happens.
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Benefits to Employers
Benefits for employers:
•Create motivated and talented young engineers, ready for the workplace, addressing the skills
shortages
•Get a fresh perspective on engineering problems by engaging young minds
•Develop key employability skills and attitudes in young people
•Build a profile as a responsible, forward-thinking organisation which is investing in the
community
•Network with engineers, like-minded companies, education providers and local business
organisations
•Be part of a growing national movement backed by key players in UK industry
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Employer/Partners involvement
1. Joining a curriculum development group to design and drive our new curriculum fit for the
workplace needs
2. Financial sponsorship
3. Offering mentors for students and teachers
4. Offering internships / placements
5. Offering projects / “commissions” practical facilities
6. Supporting open days for prospective students, parents and the community – advocating
the UTC approach
7. Donating equipment, equipment, resources, services - pro bono
8. Consultation with the UTC team
9. Join an employer advisory forum / answer surveys
10. Receive information from time to time and be part of the UTC community
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Who is UTC Swindon?
• A unique UTC specialising in Engineering and Enterprise.
• Registered Company co-ownership between JMFC & OBU.
• JMFC & OBU each have 3 Directors/Trustees/Governors.
• Main Sponsors of the UTC.
• Significant support from key Swindon College.
• A very strong Project Steering team with representation:
• Committed Sponsors.
• Local Head teachers.
• Local Business and Commerce.
• SBC – Lead Commissioner for Economy and Attainment
• Local Councillor.
• A partners network that we are proud of!
• Employers and JMFC will have a strong influence into UTC Curriculum.
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Current Partners network
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How the UTC works!
• Innovative 14-19 curriculum that provides general and technical studies
• Real work related projects to apply knowledge and skills
• Leading edge facilities (including mobile computing)
• Progression opportunities into both FE and HE at 16 and 18
• A different ‘college’ day and year (up to 40 weeks)
• Graduates with the right skills and aptitude to help local employers have successful
businesses
• Business-like approach such as “work-wear” clothes and equipment such as laptops /
tablets in their hands from day one
• 18 mile radius catchment area – into all 4 counties as well as Swindon itself
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Principles
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Principles
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Ethos - Work Environment
• Workplace comes to the UTC (inc “9 til 5” day)
• Work experience and exposure to industry (‘experiential learning’)
• Employability and Enterprise at the heart of the UTC
• Maximum progression to Y12/Y13, Apprenticeships, University and other employment
opportunities.
• The “timetable” will vary each week…
• just as our working diaries do…
• reflecting projects, themes, commissions…
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13. Where is the UTC Swindon
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Premises?
• Network Rail the Mill site on Bristol Street – Is the preferred site.
• GWR Engineering Heritage but teaching leading edge Engineering and technology.
• Advanced equipment and infrastructure technology.
• Not a traditional school, more like an inspirational work and professional environment.
‒ The building to inspire student creativity and a sense of pride.
• The building to be a meld of old and new with unique design features.
• Innovative and iconic building design that reflects our brand.
• Sympathetic to the heritage site, but stands the test of time.
• Sustainable use of materials and building design.
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UTC Swindon progress to date
• Application in January 2012
– UTC Swindon company formed with Directors of JMFC & Oxford Brookes University.
– Down selected and for interview in March 2012.
• UTC Swindon successful and selected to progress into Pre-opening phase May 2012.
– Awarded £300k development Grant + £150K towards building design and project
management.
– SBC providing up to £500k towards the premises and equipment.
• Mott McDonald started premises feasibility in Sept 12 & completed in Dec 12.
– Capital Budget of £10m identified in feasibility study.
• Designs near completion with ITT competition.
• Between two Building contractors.
• Statutory consultation in progress February to March.
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UTC Swindon time line
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Building Sustainability
• Sustainability of design is a priority in the building design:
‒ Natural lighting and ventilation.
‒ Materials that stand the test of time (low maintenance).
‒ Internal and external LED lighting.
‒ Recycling of rainwater.
‒ Natural heat displacement to other site locations.
• Renewables included:
‒ PV’s
‒ Solar hot water.
‒ Air source heat pumps.
‒ Fuel Cell.
‒ Renewables demonstration:
• Fuel Cells
• PV
• Micro- hydro generation
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How Employers/Partners engage
Contact US @
Email: info@utcswindon.co.uk
www.utcswindon.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/UTCSwindon
www.linkedin.com/company/utc-swindon
A past and heritage to be proud of
but a future of new beginnings
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