Success stories at UTC Swindon

By Barrie Hudson - 13 August 2020

Secondary
  • Students' successes will see them follow diverse career and educational routes

    Students' successes will see them follow diverse career and educational routes

UTC Swindon’s Year 13 students are celebrating results which have delighted their principal.

Abbie Elms, left, plans to study Biomedical Engineering

The engineering and digital technologies University Technical College offers three pathways for the over-16s - Technical, A Level and a combination of the two in a unique workplace-style environment. 

The results have secured students places on prestigious apprenticeships with companies such as Hitachi, Nationwide, Wiltshire Police and Network Rail, and Students have also gained places on sought-after courses at universities including Bath, Southampton, UWE and Bucks. 

Principal Jon Oliver said: “I am delighted that UTC Swindon students continue to make excellent career progression after their time with us. 

"This is a challenging time for young people, but the skills, qualifications and work-readiness that our students experience puts them at a considerable advantage for a highly technical career. Well done to all of you!” 

Joanne Harper, CEO of Activate Learning Education Trust, to which the UTC belongs, said: “These are most unusual times and what is now important is to celebrate the achievements of all students and their next steps.

"Students will be progressing on to many varied destinations and we are enormously proud of each and every student and look forward to watching their careers develop over the coming years”. 

Successful students included Jaret Wrintmore, who achieved a Distinction in Cyber Security and grade A for both Computer Science and Maths at A Level. 

He is continuing in his passion for cyber security by starting a Masters Engineering Degree in Cyber Security at Southampton University. 

Jaret said that being at UTC Swindon had “...allowed me the freedom to pursue my unique interests, whilst the UTC Pipeline Programme gave me excellent opportunities to work with major employers, like Fujitsu and Wiltshire Police.” 

Abbie Elms achieved a triple Distinction in Engineering and grade A in Maths at A Level. She has deferred her place at Kent University to study Biomedical Engineering until 2021 and has full-time employment in the catering industry. 

Abbie joined UTC Swindon in Year 10 in 2016 and has had the opportunity to excel in her chosen specialism of engineering, having completed a project as part of her course this year with the REME at MOD Lyneham. 

Ronan de Melo was awarded a grade B in A Level Maths, along with a Merit in the National Extended Certificate in IT and a Pass in Cyber Security. 

He takes up a place at Bucks New university to study Games Development. 

Ronan said: "It is more like the workplace at UTC Swindon and I have really enjoyed the responsibility that I have been given in my work and UTC Pipeline Programme with employers.” 

Henri Ebdon was delighted to receive a double Merit grade in his Engineering Diploma and a grade C in A Level Maths. He starts a higher apprenticeship with UKRI, based in Oxford, next month. 

He said: “I am really looking forward to starting my apprenticeship with UKRI as I have developed the skills and confidence to work in this sector after four years at UTC Swindon.” 

UTC Swindon is offering information, advice and guidance to anyone who is unsure as to what to do next after their A Levels.  

The college is strongly focused on preparing students for their future careers, supporting them with everything from CV-writing and interview preparation to the day-to-day skills required to succeed in the workplace. 

This, combined with opportunities to work with the college’s industry partners, through the Pipeline Programme, gives UTC students an advantage when applying for apprenticeships, higher education courses and employment. 

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