Full Steam Ahead For UTC Reading

The Oxford and Cherwell Valley College (OCVC) Group, lead sponsors of the new University Technical College that will be based in Reading, today announced the official name and other important developments, including the project receiving formal approval from the government and the procurement of a site.

Reading’s University Technical College will be called UTC Reading and the site has been secured on Crescent Road in East Reading which will accommodate 600 students when at full capacity. This location is in a central position to serve the proposed wide catchment area, which includes young people within a 15 mile radius of postcode RG1 5RQ in East Reading, extending to Newbury, Slough, Basingstoke and Farnborough. UTC Reading’s site offers extensive playing fields for sport and recreational activities, to ensure that the 14 to 19 year olds starting in September 2013 have all of the facilities for the planned programme of extra-curricular activities.

The recruitment drive to appoint a new principal for UTC Reading is also underway and the sponsors plan to have the chosen candidate in post by January 2013, to be in place to spearhead the launch. Other teaching and support staff will be recruited soon after. Another key development has been an agreement between Schools Minister Lord Hill and the sponsors. The signing of a ‘funding agreement’ is a key milestone in the process of developing the UTC to open in September 2013, as Chief Executive of OCVC, Sally Dicketts, comments:

“The funding agreement being signed means that this project is really happening. Now that we have a name, location and this funding secured we are on the right path in seeing the dream of UTC Reading become a reality. By 2013 I am confident we will have a leading-edge facility that Reading and the region will be proud of, that can inspire the next generation of computer science and IT specialists through education.”

UTC Reading will specialise in computer science and software engineering, taught alongside the national curriculum. This means that students get the benefit of practical study of the specialist subjects whilst still taking the GCSE’s and A-levels that they would take at a regular school; getting the best of both worlds. The specialist curriculum proposed by the UTC will appeal to secondary school-aged pupils interested in computer science and/or engineering who are keen on pursuing and developing their talents.

Making all of this happen is a committed partnership made up of sponsors and partners. These include Reading College, Reading School, the University of Reading, Microsoft, Cisco, Network Rail and Peter Brett Associates. Together the sponsor and partners believe they can help create a new kind of facility for 14 to 19 year olds, that brings together the combination of education and industry to give them the best possible start in their professional life.

Steve Beswick, Director of Education for Microsoft and a key Industry Partner for UTC Reading, comments: “Microsoft has a long and proud history supporting education in the UK. One area of focus for us is the promotion of computer science in schools for young people. This promotion is essential so that we can develop talent and ensure the UK continues to produce world class computer science and programming graduates. The Memorandum of Understanding we have signed with the new UTC Reading represents a further deepening of our commitment to this cause and underlines Microsoft’s strategy of transforming the way technology is used and taught in schools.”

Apprenticeship Race – Get Ahead of the Pack

With thousands of students picking up their GCSE results this week, school leavers across the country will be making the choice to stay on for A-levels or get out there into the world of work.

Apprenticeships are a great option, providing trainees with the chance to earn while they learn. However, securing an apprenticeship is like applying for a job – you will need to ensure your CV stands out.

One of the most popular apprenticeship choices is to become an installation electrician. Iain Macdonald, Head of Education and Training at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), gives his top tips for making your CV stand out from the crowd this summer, whichever industry you choose to work in:

1. Consider your options and think carefully about which apprenticeships you want to apply for. There’s no point applying for a building apprenticeship if you want to be a plumber.

2. Ask friends and family for advice. If you know someone who works in an industry that interests you, speak to them – they may not be able to get you a job, but their guidance will be invaluable. They may even be able to arrange some work experience to strengthen your CV.

3. Check out the local paper; the majority of companies will advertise entry level positions there.

4. Look on the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) website (www.apprenticeships.org.uk) to find an apprenticeship placement. Or you can get advice from an industry training provider’s website. The largest and best known of these is JTL (www.jtltraining.com).

5. When applying to companies directly, send a covering letter and a copy of your CV. A CV is a great way to showcase your strengths and achievements to potential employers.

6. Avoid sending a generic covering letter or CV. Do your research and tailor each one to the specific company and job role – demonstrate the strengths you can bring to their specific business.

7. Check, double check and triple check your CV, and ask somebody else to proof read it for you. Sloppy mistakes are an instant turn-off for employers.

8. Be proud of any extra-curricular achievements or activities – being involved in sports clubs or gaining a Duke of Edinburgh Award are fantastic for demonstrating team work.

9. If you are successful in getting through to an interview stage, don’t be afraid to emphasise your strong points and sell yourself! During the interview, listen to the questions you are asked and take time to think carefully about your answers.

10. Remember, you’re asking an employer to invest time and money in you – show them why you’re worth it! Even at the initial enquiry stage, knowledge on the company and its competitors can really help you to stand out.