South Bank Engineering University Technical College (UTC) on Brixton Hill has opened its doors to 100 young engineering hopefuls. The new school opened last month and intends to challenge the traditional model of education. Its first 100 students are split across year 10 and year 12 intakes, covering ages from 14 to 19.
The college is focused on providing young people with the practical skills and experience necessary to secure careers in the engineering industry.
Principal Dan Cundy said “It’s refreshing to be able to create something from scratch here. We know there is an engineering skills gap in the UK and we are working to fill this, pushing these students as high as they can go in their own careers within the industry”.
The school is operating out of temporary accommodation next to the site it will call home from the 2017 academic year onwards.
Using space previously occupied by Lambeth College buildings, the UTC will share an entirely new building with both Trinity Academy and Lambeth College. Each will have individual space to suit their own teaching needs, sharing only central facilities.
UTC will reach its full capacity of 600 students five years after the relocation.
It has been able to attract support from high profile industry and educational sponsors.
South Bank University is the main sponsor, with Skanska, the fifth largest construction company in the world, and two NHS Foundation Trusts in partnering the school.
There are also links with industry partners which will provide projects and opportunities for the students throughout the year, including Fujitsu, Cisco, Bamboo Bicycle Club and the British Army.
Lewis, a year 12 student, told the Bugle: “Here I am, taught as an equal, not simply as a student.
“The UTC teachers know exactly what we have to learn and do to be successful in the engineering industry, and they put in all the extra time needed to make sure we are able to achieve this”.
Find out more about UTC. You can meet the principal, students and staff of UTC every Thursday morning from 9.30am at the entrance on Horsford Road, SW2 1QS.
