UTC Swindon today announced that its new Digital Technologies Specialism, which it has been trialling in a pilot programme, is now available to all students and will be a fundamental part of the curriculum going forward. Since it opened its doors in 2014, UTC Swindon has specialised in engineering taught alongside the national curriculum. Computing and programming have always been part of the core syllabus but now UTC Swindon has expanded the qualifications and courses it offers to cover all aspects of digital technologies and computer science.
Principal, Jon Oliver, comments, “We have expanded our offering because we have identified a need among local employers for digital skills. As a major commercial hub, Swindon is evolving and businesses are diversifying with digital technologies becoming increasingly important. Therefore, digital technologies and their application are subjects that we will be teaching as we look to develop our courses in order to reflect local industry needs and provide exciting career opportunities for our students.”
The school currently offers A-level Computer Science, an extension of its previous GCSE provision, as well as BTEC in Information Technology. It is also increasing its range of Microsoft Windows Office qualifications as well as other practical qualifications that apply in the workplace and other more digitally oriented courses.
Jon Oliver continues, “Digital technology is an integral part of our work and home life. Therefore programming, computing and using software for a whole range of different requirements, have become essential and much sought-after skills. There is an increasing need for businesses to recruit highly skilled young people. Where digital is concerned, many organisations struggle to recruit the appropriate staff so there is an opportunity in the area for young people to positively progress their careers in this direction. Also with Brexit on the horizon, it is really important that we invest and develop these skills at a grass roots level and encourage young people to study these subjects.”
UTC Swindon aims to deliver first class education in an environment that feels like the workplace. This is achieved by delivering the curriculum through employer-set projects which tackle real world industry issues. Encouraging young people to choose career pathways that lead to employment, is a key mantra for the school as well, as equipping students with the soft skills to succeed in the workplace. UTC Swindon works with a host of industry partners and the number is growing with companies such as Intel Corporation, Siemens, BMW, Honda and Network Rail now all actively participating in many aspects of the new curriculum.
For parents and young people interested in finding out more, UTC Swindon is hosting an Open Event on Wednesday 31st January 2018 from 17.30 to 19.30. These Open Events provide a great opportunity to find out more about studying at the UTC and the fantastic facilities on offer as well as the chance to meet staff, students and industry partners. Principal, Jon Oliver, will outline what is different about UTCs and a number of students will share their experience and what they have gained since joining the school. Additionally, current students will be participating in a range of different activities. Staff will also be available to talk young people and parents through the application process.
Visit UTC Swindon website to find out more www.utcswindon.co.uk .
