Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

South Wiltshire UTC

Specialising in Science & Engineering for the Defence & Protective Science Industries

www.wiltshire-utc.co.uk

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

What is a University Technical College?

• Brand new schools driven by employers and universities• Combine academic and technical education for 14-18s• Join at 14 or 16• Non-selective and free to attend• Large catchment areas (typically 20-mile radius)• All party support (see left, Lord Baker and Lord Adonis)• 45 open or in development each with c600 learners• Specialise in Engineering, Science and Technology• 8.30am – 5pm for 40 weeks a year• Students go on to employment, Apprenticeship or Uni• Learn through employer-set integrated projects• Ideal for young people who prefer active learning.

Courtesy of PHE

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

Timeline for South Wiltshire UTC• Approved by the Department for Education March 2013• Expressions of interest from tonight!• Confirm the site in July 2013 • Public consultation to shape the UTC in July/Aug 2013• Funding agreement signed with the Government in Aug 2013• Local Authority publishes prospectus in Sept 2013 • Year 10 applications by end Oct 2013• Year 12 applications by end Jan 2014• Results of applications known 1 Mar 2014• Main staff recruitment from early 2014• UTC opens Sept 2014

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

Why our UTC application was successful• Significant growth in Army presence and more

settled military families (Army 2020)• Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering are

major growth sectors for us• Porton Science Park confirmed• Huge opportunities for Science & Engineering

supply chain companies• Persistent outflow of learners from the area and

too few local applications for high quality jobs and Apprenticeships

• Relatively low participation in Science and Engineering at university level and graduates tend not to come back.

Crown copyright courtesy of Dstl

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

Very strong partnership driving the UTC

• University of Southampton• Wiltshire College• Tetricus Science Park• Public Health England• CBRN Defence Centre• Serco • Wiltshire Council

• 43 Wessex Brigade• QinetiQ• Chemring Countermeasures• Dstl• Esterline/Wallop Defence• Securebio• Defence Support Group

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

What are employers looking for?

• Andy Tudor from QinetiQ

• Phil Luton from Public Health England

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

Likely catchment area – 20 mile radius

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

What South Wiltshire UTC will offer• Entirely new 14-18 technical education

combining skills with academic learning• Access to specialist joint facilities at Porton

Down and at the University of Southampton• Hands-on learning through live projects,

specialist lecturers and access to world class employers

• Specialised post-16 Science and Engineering pathways to Uni or Higher Apprenticeships

• Strong links to the Army and organisations offering Science and Engineering jobs and Apprenticeships

• Strong focus on “employability” skills like team-working, leadership & problem-solving.

Courtesy of the University of Southampton

Courtesy of PHE

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

High Level Curriculum MapYears 10 and 11

Strong core of GCSEs +

Technical skills in Applied Science

+Technical skills in

Engineering

Work experience+ + Stretch and

personal development

Years 12 and 13

Strong core of A Levels +

Advanced Applied Science

or Advanced Engineering

Work experience+ + Stretch and

personal development

or skill development below Level 2

or Level 2 consolidation

Including AS

Including HE

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

Role of Employers• Sponsors – in kind• Confirming curriculum relevance • Helping design realistic work projects• Set out labour market needs • Specialist equipment and facilities• Providing specialist technical expertise• Work placements and mentoring.

University of Southampton• Sponsors – in kind• Designing an innovative curriculum• Advising on extension elements• Student mentors• Providing progression routes• Specialist lecturers, facilities & materials• Staff professional updating & mentoring.

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

What if we have too many applicants?• Top priority, for all schools, students with special

educational needs and looked after childrenthen

• Army families• Children in receipt of Free School Meals• Siblings of current students (once open)• Children of staff (after two years) or teachers in skill

shortage areas• Any applicant with main residence within 20 miles

(ballot)• Any applicant with main residence over 20 miles

(ballot)• Special priority for Year 11s entering Year 12

Gordon Aitken, Project Manager

What do we do next?

• ASK QUESTIONS NOW!• Fill in your expression of interest• Sign-up for e-updates on

www.wiltshire-utc.co.uk• Follow us on Twitter • Ask us questions via the website• Contact me on

gordonraitken@gmail.com• Watch out for the public

consultation• Call my bluff on the “10 person

promise”!