UTC Sheffield students have celebrated their academic and technical success at a high profile prize giving ceremony in the city.
Students who have shown outstanding achievement, technical competence and progress were recognised in 56 awards categories, after completing their GCSEs, A Levels and technical qualifications this summer.
Their parents and carers, and employers, as well as UTC Sheffield staff and governors, also attended the ceremony held at Cutlers’ Hall.
Awards were presented to students who studied at both of the UTC’s technical schools, which are backed by 70 employers. The VIP speaker was former Master Cutler Ken Cooke.
UTC Sheffield City Centre, on Matilda Street, specialises in advanced engineering and manufacturing, and creative and digital media, and is Ofsted graded ‘good’.
UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, on Old Hall Road, Attercliffe Common, specialises in computing, health sciences and sport science.
Students complete academic and technical qualifications at the same time, and learn from industry experts in high tech facilities where employers shape the curriculum.
Employers supporting the awards event included Fernite, a Sheffield-based knife manufacturer with customers globally in the aerospace, automotive, chemicals, construction, food, nuclear, packaging, plastics, printing, recycling and scientific industries.
James Kitching, Managing Director, Fernite, said: “We decided to get involved with UTC Sheffield City Centre because they share our passion for advanced manufacturing and engineering, and offer technical courses that prepare students for an exciting and rewarding career.”
The company sponsored and presented the Year 13 Engineering Excellence Award won by Eden Smith, 18. Eden is now a junior structural engineer at Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson in Sheffield and is completing a higher apprenticeship, earning as he learns in the industry.
He said: “I joined the UTC when I was 16 and I’ve really loved the technical side of the curriculum and the fact that my teachers have had experience of the industry. The UTC has prepared me for the real world – so much so that it’s been a pretty smooth transition into work.”
Double award winner Charlotte Timms, 15, from UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, is completing the computing specialism and was commended for both her academic and technical achievements in two categories.
Charlotte, who is interested in a career in electrical or mechanical engineering, has developed her skills by getting involved in industry projects including creating a games app and website development, as well as robotics.
She said: “I’m really happy at the UTC and it felt great to receive two awards. I really enjoy the technical specialisms and knowledge, which has helped me to develop other skills such as project management and working with others in a team.”
Nick Crew, Executive Principal, UTC Sheffield, said: “We are very proud of our students and their academic and technical success. Our students are highly sought after and have great career prospects because they develop the technical and problem solving skills, and right attitude to the world of work, that employers and universities are looking for.”
To find out more about places for September 2019, and to sign up to the next showcase events on October 23, November 14 and 20 and December 4, visit https://www.utcsheffield.org.uk/events/
