UTC Swindon, the town’s new university technical college which aims to produce the engineers of the future, officially opened its doors to students for the first time this week.
The college, based on the edge of Swindon’s historic Railway Village, is educating 14-18 year olds by combining academic subjects with technical and practical learning in areas such as engineering, manufacturing and medical technology.
Its two main sponsors are Oxford Brookes University and Swindon-based Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells while its roll-call of business partners reads like a who’s who of Swindon’s leading companies and includes Honda, BMW, Intel, Nationwide and Thames Water.
Principal Angela Barker-Dench said: “It is gratifying to see everything finally come together after a year of hard work. Watching all the excited students walk through the doors at UTC Swindon for the first ever time was a moment that filled everyone involved with pride.”
UTC’s are being promoted by Baker Dearing Educational Trust. Angela Barker-Dench added: “Working with the Baker Dearing Educational Trust has been a privilege. They helped and supported us every step of the way towards this goal. UTC Swindon will give students the foundations to build fantastic careers by giving them the skills industry is crying out for.”
Pictured: UTC principal Angela Barker-Dench with the first intake of students
