High-performing UTC (University Technical College) leavers have gone on to apprenticeships after taking part in projects with employers, work experience, and technical qualifications — all facilitated by their UTC.
UTCs see better progression rates to top apprenticeships than mainstream schools. Specifically:
- UTC students are four times more likely than the national average to progress to an apprenticeship.
- Sixty-six per cent of the apprenticeships that they progress to are higher or degree level.
- Eight per cent of female UTC students’ progress to higher or degree apprenticeships, versus a national average of one per cent.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, UTC’s are celebrating the success of their students by highlighting them and their achievements.
Daksh Sharma
Daksh is due to start a degree apprenticeship with Lockheed Martin after considering competing offers from the Dyson Institute, PWC, Airbus and IBM.
During his time studying at UTC Portsmouth, the 18-year-old took part in employer projects with various aerospace and defence companies including Lockheed Martin and QinetiQ, as well as the Royal Navy.
The UTC said he “worked incredibly hard,” studying A Levels in computer science, maths, and physics while taking every opportunity on offer to ensure his CV stood out from other applicants. He also served as student vice president while in Years 10 and 11.
Daksh, who is from Hamble and has a health care plan due to a genetic type of diabetes, says the UTC was important to his success because “of the opportunities that I have been offered by the school, including employer projects, guest lectures and the chance to be part of the student leadership team.”
Elliot Sena
Elliot is completing a Level 4 chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship with Galliford Try, having completed a T Level industry placement with the construction company through Thomas Telford UTC.
As part of the placement for his T Level in design, surveying and planning, Elliot expanded his knowledge of on-site health and safety by producing hazardous substances assessments and studied the technology behind architectural drawings.
Throughout his time at the UTC, Elliot benefited by hearing from a variety of guest speakers from industry, receiving guidance from employer mentors, and taking part in career activities.
He did not expect to progress onto an apprenticeship, but the placement gave him the opportunity to demonstrate his hard work and dedication to the employer.
Elliot is now studying his degree apprenticeship with Birmingham City University and working for Galliford Try as a trainee site manager.
Speaking of his UTC experience, Elliot said: “I enjoyed my time at the UTC, mainly because of the community, how inclusive the college was, and how supportive the staff were. The UTC made me feel like I belonged.”
Ivy Byng
Ivy Byng has progressed onto a higher apprenticeship at National Grid after taking part in the company’s Grid for Good programme at Aston University Engineering Academy.
Ivy found a role with National Grid after taking part in employer engagement, including a week’s paid work experience with construction company Stace, receiving feedback on her A Level product design project from lighting manufacturer Artemide.
The 18-year-old also took part in a master class delivered by the Grid for Good programme, an opportunity that Ivy credits to the UTC.
“The UTC gave me the opportunities to look at different apprenticeships by inviting them to the college and setting up the master class with National Grid, allowing me to get the knowledge and grades to be able to apply for any apprenticeship I wanted,” she said.
After achieving results above what was predicted for her, Ivy had multiple apprenticeship opportunities to choose from but elected for the project management apprenticeship with the National Grid.
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