The Duke of York visits Swindon this morning to see progress at the town’s university technology college (UTC) and gauge the views of business leaders as the economy starts to recover.
The Duke kicks off his morning in the town with a meeting at Business West’s Park House office where he will hear from business figures on the local economic outlook. 
He will then meet directors of UTC Swindon board of directors including representatives of its sponsoring organisations Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and Oxford Brookes University and other partners.
The Duke will be shown around the college construction site in Bristol Street by UTC Swindon principal Angela Barker-Dench and will meet a small number of students who will attend the college when it opens this September.
When fully operational UTC Swindon will cater for 600, 14 to 19 year olds interested in pursuing careers in engineering.
Speaking ahead to today’s visit, Ms Barker-Dench said: “This is another historic moment for UTC Swindon. This college is going to be iconic in the world of engineering, equipping young people with the skills to pursue careers in engineering in all its diverse forms.
“HRH has a passion for engineering, manufacturing and apprenticeships. His core values and beliefs regarding skills in the workplace coincide directly with what UTC Swindon will be doing.”
Construction work on the £10m state-of-the-art building in Bristol Street in the heart of Swindon's Railway Village, started last November.
The old school building and the iconic water tower on the site – both Grade-II listed – will be key features of the college.
