HRH AT THE UTC 

Prince Andrew flies in to visit the site of the new Swindon University Technical College

 

The Duke of York KG paid a visit to the UTC Swindon today.

 

HRH landed by helicopter in Faringdon Park before meeting the UTC Swindon board of directors at nearby Park House before the group was joined by head teachers from secondary schools across Swindon.

 

The Prince spent time talking to the sponsors and partners of the College, including UTC Swindon directors from Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and Oxford Brookes University, before being shown through a model of how the £10 million pound establishment will look.

 

 

Braving the rain, The Duke was then shown around the college site by UTC Swindon Principal, Angela Barker-Dench, where he spoke to a number of first-intake pupils who have already applied for a College place.

 

Speaking of The Duke’s visit, Angela Barker-Dench said: “This is another historic moment for UTC Swindon. This college is going to be iconic in the world of engineering, equipping young people with the skills to pursue careers in engineering in all its diverse forms.

 

"HRH has a passion for engineering, manufacturing and apprenticeships. His core values and beliefs regarding skills in the workplace coincide directly with what UTC Swindon will be doing.”

 

 

 

The Duke’s visit comes two weeks after the Founder of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust and former Home Secretary, The Right Honourable, the Lord Baker of Dorking CH, was shown around the UTC Swindon site.

 

As Patron of the Trust, HRH encourages wider support from parents, businesses and other stakeholders. He supports enterprise-focused education and helps providers promote the opportunities they offer.

 

Opening September 2014

 

UTC Swindon will occupy a new, £10 million state-of-the-art facility, with the Old School Building and the iconic Water Tower featuring prominently.

 

Both structures, which are Grade II listed, are being treated sympathetically, with the Water Tower being restored and brought back into educational use.

 

Students can apply for a place at UTC Swindon, which will cater for 600 students aged 14 to 19, by emailinginfo@utcswindon.co.uk or by downloading the application form from www.utcswindon.co.uk For more information call UTC Swindon on 07990 601 516.