Students at UTC Swindon, the town’s University Technical College, have been boosting their learning experience through its student ambassador scheme.
Nine students have taken on a range of responsibilities under the initiative such as participating in teacher recruitment interviews, acting as a voice for the students and project management.
One of very few UK educational establishments to run such a scheme, UTC Swindon appointed its first student ambassadors shortly after the college opened last September.
To take part, students must complete an interview for the position and then present their ideas to UTC director of curriculum and KS4 manager Hollie Danby.
Once appointed, the student ambassadors have the chance to sit in on teacher job interviews, where they put their own questions to the candidates. They are also rewriting the student reward policies, having asked their peers what incentives would motivate them, and are managing a project to provide additional outdoor furniture at the college.
They meet Holly and college directors weekly to discuss students’ views and activities.
Another task is to give visitors guided tours of the £10m state-of-the-art facilities at regular events being hosted by the UTC.
UTC Swindon principal Angela Barker-Dench said: “This scheme gives our students key skills like job interview techniques, liaising with external parties, project management and team work.
“This personal development, alongside the technical training they’re receiving, will equip them for the workplace when they start their careers. In the meantime, everyone here is proud of the way our student ambassadors are representing UTC Swindon.”
UTC Swindon caters for 600 students aged 14 to 19, providing courses for young people who aspire to a career in engineering. Students at the college can gain the skills necessary across all sectors of the engineering industries.
UTC Swindon is run by a trust sponsored by Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and Oxford Brookes University and supported by more than 90 industry partners.
It is based in part of Swindon’s original Great Western Rail works.
