UTC Swindon is a new University Technical College in Swindon, England that specializes in engineering and enterprise. It is sponsored by Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and Oxford Brookes University to address declining technical skills in the UK. Students learn practical engineering skills through real-world projects. Local employers help develop the curriculum and provide work experience to ensure students graduate with skills needed in industry. The new college building will open in 2015 on the site of a former railway engineering facility.

1. UTC Swindon – An Educational
movement
by Simon Peet
Engineering Manager at Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells
Director of the UTC Swindon

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What is a UTC?
• University Technical Colleges are a new concept in education.
• They offer 14-19 year olds the opportunity for a full time, technically-oriented course
of study.
• They are equipped to the highest standard, sponsored by a university (OBU) and offer
clear progression routes into higher and further education or learning in work.
• Sponsored by Industrial Employer (JMFC) and team of supporting Industrial firms to
ensure the college is aligned to the needs of Industry.
• The students learn in a very practical way, integrating national curriculum requirements
with the technical and vocational elements.
• The UTC ethos and curriculum is heavily influenced by local and national employers who
also provide support and work experience for students.
• UTCs specialize in subjects that require leading edge technology and equipped to the
highest standards.
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3. Why is JMFC Sponsoring UTC
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Swindon?
• A community investment project that will benefit local Industry.
Ensuring technical skills and roles can be maintained in the UK
• Availability of young Engineers is in decline.
• Hands on practical engineering skills is diminishing.
• Communication skills undeveloped – little experience of working
in a team environment.
• No experience of working in a diverse community of people, of
having to interact at all levels.
• Manufacturing skills becoming increasingly technical. Requiring
higher skill levels.
• We want engineering to once again be exciting, challenging and
something the students are proud to be involved in.
• Change the perception of Engineering.
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Partner support for the UTC Swindon
• Aim to give any company with an Engineering, technical or
Enterprise background the opportunity to be involved.
• Companies across the full 18 mile radius catchment area –
into all 4 counties as well as Swindon itself.
UTC Swindon
• From small businesses through to multi nationals. Aim is to have
30-40 partner companies with a range of levels of involvement
• Being a partner is not about giving money.
• More important is your time, experience, learning, expertise and
requirements as an employer.
• Only you know what kind of technical people your business needs
for the future – this your chance to make sure it happens.
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Benefits to Employers
Benefits for employers:
•Create motivated and talented young engineers, ready for the workplace, addressing the skills
shortages
•Get a fresh perspective on engineering problems by engaging young minds
•Develop key employability skills and attitudes in young people
•Build a profile as a responsible, forward-thinking organisation which is investing in the
community
•Network with engineers, like-minded companies, education providers and local business
organisations
•Be part of a growing national movement backed by key players in UK industry
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Employer/Partners involvement
1. Joining a curriculum development group to design and drive our new curriculum fit for the
workplace needs
2. Financial sponsorship
3. Offering mentors for students and teachers
4. Offering internships / placements
5. Offering projects / “commissions” practical facilities
6. Supporting open days for prospective students, parents and the community – advocating
the UTC approach
7. Donating equipment, equipment, resources, services - pro bono
8. Consultation with the UTC team
9. Join an employer advisory forum / answer surveys
10. Receive information from time to time and be part of the UTC community
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Who is UTC Swindon?
• A unique UTC specialising in Engineering and Enterprise.
• Registered Company co-ownership between JMFC & OBU.
• JMFC & OBU each have 3 Directors/Trustees/Governors.
• Main Sponsors of the UTC.
• Significant support from key Swindon College.
• A very strong Project Steering team with representation:
• Committed Sponsors.
• Local Head teachers.
• Local Business and Commerce.
• SBC – Lead Commissioner for Economy and Attainment
• Local Councillor.
• A partners network that we are proud of!
• Employers and JMFC will have a strong influence into UTC Curriculum.
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Current Partners network
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How the UTC works!
• Innovative 14-19 curriculum that provides general and technical studies
• Real work related projects to apply knowledge and skills
• Leading edge facilities (including mobile computing)
• Progression opportunities into both FE and HE at 16 and 18
• A different ‘college’ day and year (up to 40 weeks)
• Graduates with the right skills and aptitude to help local employers have successful
businesses
• Business-like approach such as “work-wear” clothes and equipment such as laptops /
tablets in their hands from day one
• 18 mile radius catchment area – into all 4 counties as well as Swindon itself
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Principles
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Principles
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Ethos - Work Environment
• Workplace comes to the UTC (inc “9 til 5” day)
• Work experience and exposure to industry (‘experiential learning’)
• Employability and Enterprise at the heart of the UTC
• Maximum progression to Y12/Y13, Apprenticeships, University and other employment
opportunities.
• The “timetable” will vary each week…
• just as our working diaries do…
• reflecting projects, themes, commissions…
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13. Where is the UTC Swindon
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Premises?
• Network Rail the Mill site on Bristol Street – Is the preferred site.
• GWR Engineering Heritage but teaching leading edge Engineering and technology.
• Advanced equipment and infrastructure technology.
• Not a traditional school, more like an inspirational work and professional environment.
‒ The building to inspire student creativity and a sense of pride.
• The building to be a meld of old and new with unique design features.
• Innovative and iconic building design that reflects our brand.
• Sympathetic to the heritage site, but stands the test of time.
• Sustainable use of materials and building design.
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UTC Swindon progress to date
• Application in January 2012
– UTC Swindon company formed with Directors of JMFC & Oxford Brookes University.
– Down selected and for interview in March 2012.
• UTC Swindon successful and selected to progress into Pre-opening phase May 2012.
– Awarded £300k development Grant + £150K towards building design and project
management.
– SBC providing up to £500k towards the premises and equipment.
• Mott McDonald started premises feasibility in Sept 12 & completed in Dec 12.
– Capital Budget of £10m identified in feasibility study.
• Designs near completion with ITT competition.
• Between two Building contractors.
• Statutory consultation in progress February to March.
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UTC Swindon time line
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Building Sustainability
• Sustainability of design is a priority in the building design:
‒ Natural lighting and ventilation.
‒ Materials that stand the test of time (low maintenance).
‒ Internal and external LED lighting.
‒ Recycling of rainwater.
‒ Natural heat displacement to other site locations.
• Renewables included:
‒ PV’s
‒ Solar hot water.
‒ Air source heat pumps.
‒ Fuel Cell.
‒ Renewables demonstration:
• Fuel Cells
• PV
• Micro- hydro generation
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How Employers/Partners engage
Contact US @
Email: info@utcswindon.co.uk
www.utcswindon.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/UTCSwindon
www.linkedin.com/company/utc-swindon
A past and heritage to be proud of
but a future of new beginnings
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