Students at UTC Warrington have been celebrating a 100% pass rate for its specialist technical qualifications, with students securing top apprenticeships and university places.
The college which opened in 2016, following a local authority skills report, has been preparing the next generation of skilled engineers with the help of local employers.
The UTCW results show an outstanding 100% pass rate in its popular BTEC Engineering course, with the average grade being a distinction.
Principal Lee Barber said: “We’re very pleased with today’s results as they clearly show the UTC is beginning to deliver on its intended purpose of moulding career-ready students into specialist science and engineering apprenticeships and university.”
“Our dedicated team of staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that all of our students fulfil their potential and are supported in making their next step. I am very proud to see a large number of our students going onto study higher level engineering at some of our top universities, and starting work with some of our employer partners in apprenticeship roles.”
George Garner, student at UTC Warrington, secured the top grades in BTEC Engineering (D*, D*) which has already landed him a dream apprenticeship role with Cavendish Nuclear, who have recently completed their move onto Birchwood Park.
George said: “Through studying at UTC Warrington, I’ve had the chance to develop my technical skills in an engineering environment and focus on pursuing my interest in project controls.”
“Gaining work experience whilst studying for this BTEC Engineering qualification gave me the determination to secure an apprenticeship after college.”
“I am excited to start my position at Cavendish Nuclear on the apprenticeship programme with UTC Warrington. It’s going to provide me with brand new opportunities and I’m really looking forward to becoming a STEM ambassador with the company so that I can inspire the UTC’s future students.”
Some of the UTC’s Cavendish Nuclear Apprentices – from left to right – Declan Ferrabee, George Garner, Rebecca Flynn.
A number of the UTC’s students will be working with Cavendish Nuclear in apprenticeship roles from September, in a move that sees UTC Warrington supporting the delivery of those apprenticeships. Over the last few months, Cavendish Nuclear has been working in partnership with UTCW to ensure the students are best placed for their engineering roles.
Adam Rourke, Future Talent Manager at Cavendish Nuclear said: “Getting into schools and colleges and working with students gives them a feel for what a project is like and gives us an opportunity to engage with the students on a number of levels; for them to pick our brains about engineering and our careers.”
Other high achievers at the UTC included Kane Delooze who also secured the top grades in engineering (D*, D*) and two A grade A Levels, securing him a place at the University of Southampton to study aeronautical engineering.
Lauryn Baker was supported by Stanley Engineered Fastenings as she secured her apprenticeship role earlier this year.
Nihad Mahmoud also achieved high grades in the BTEC course, securing him a place with the UTC’s university sponsor Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) to study mechanical engineering.
The UTC was supported on results day by Higher Horizons, an organisation that supports young people in finding apprenticeships and university courses.