Hull’s employer-led school has celebrated its powerful partnership with leading businesses across the region and their contribution to the successful launch of a new education model in the city.
Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has no fewer than 22 business partners, representing a total of more than 10,000 employees across the region.
The line-up of partners is led by the school’s Founding Partners – *University of Hull and leading employers *KCOM, RB, Siemens Gamesa, Smith & Nephew and *Spencer Group.
They are joined by a wide range of other businesses and organisations, all committed to supporting Ron Dearing UTC’s mission to develop a new generation of work-ready young people with advanced digital skills.
Principal Sarah Pashley said the employer partners had played a vital role in establishing the school and developing the curriculum, while their financial support had enabled the UTC to invest in state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology.
She also paid tribute to the integral role several of the partner companies were playing in mentoring students and working with them on projects that address real-life business challenges.
Mrs Pashley said: “We simply wouldn’t be where we are today without the amazing support we have had from our employer sponsors and we can’t thank them enough.
“Their commitment is extraordinary and makes such a difference to the quality and relevance of the education and opportunities we offer to our students.
“The employers recognise the need to develop further their digital capability and to have access to a pool of young tech talent. They appreciate the opportunity to work with and get to know our students, to identify those that are the best match for their businesses.
“They’re also really committed to supporting the regeneration of the Humber region – that’s a major driver for all of them.”
Chair of Governors, Charlie Spencer OBE, Executive Chairman of UTC Founding Partner Spencer Group, said: “Everyone involved with Ron Dearing UTC is delighted with the progress that has been made.
“We’ve got a great leadership and teaching team and very talented students who are flourishing and have exciting careers ahead of them. Feedback from students and parents is really positive and we are already significantly over-subscribed for the next intake of students in September.
“The incredible contribution of the employer sponsors has been critical to all that has been achieved and they will continue to be at the heart of ensuring Ron Dearing UTC is a school that really means business.”
The commitment of the UTC’s business backers is illustrated by global renewable energy leader Ørsted, which is a Major Partner of the UTC and has funded a superb new library, unveiled to guests at the official opening.
Matthew Wright, Managing Director of Ørsted UK, said: “It’s vitally important to inspire and develop a future generation of engineers and technical specialists and working with Ron Dearing UTC is one of the ways we’re seeking to achieve this.
“We’re proud to be working alongside other key industry players to support this innovative and exciting education project.
“Specifically, we’re delighted to sponsor the Ørsted Library, as a key hub for knowledge and information sharing within the school.”
Ron Dearing UTC’s employer-driven education model and curriculum combines academic excellence in the core subjects of English, maths and sciences with the opportunity to specialise in digital technology and/or mechatronics – a combination of computing and engineering.
Students apply their academic learning to real-life projects set by the employer sponsors, study for professional qualifications in high demand by industry, and are supported by almost 40 business mentors from the partner companies.
Major Partners
APD Communications
Arco
BP
*C4DI
Fujitsu
Green Port Hull
Ideal Boilers
Ørsted
Sewell Group
Sonoco Trident
*Wykeland Group
Partners
Air Products
AJ Building
Baumer
Emerson Kitney
Horncastle Group
* Denotes HullBID members
