Representatives from Ron Dearing UTC’s employer partners attended an event to find out how they can help shape the curriculum this year and celebrate the school’s recent successes.
The school’s second employer breakfast meeting saw staff from almost 20 businesses attend and enjoy breakfast and networking, including Founding Partners, Major Partners and Partners.
Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal and Head of Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, told attendees how they can help to influence the curriculum, including attending open evenings, leading student CV workshops and mock interview sessions, giving inspiring industry-led talks and offering opportunities to students seeking apprenticeships.
He also shared the school’s recent outstanding A-level, GCSE and technical qualification results, highlighting the record achievements and celebrating fantastic outcomes despite the challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley provided the employer partners with an update on the school’s expansion plans to meet increasing demand for places.
Following significant funding from the Department for Education (DfE), work to remodel the existing school building is now complete and work is underway to transform the former Central Fire Station next door to the school.
The former fire station will include an exhibition centre, three art and design studios, two digital studios, a sixth form centre and additional office space.
Glenn said: “We’re holding the employer breakfast meetings once every term and it was fantastic to see such a good turnout for our second event.
“It’s a really exciting time for Ron Dearing UTC and we’re going from strength to strength. We’re incredibly grateful to our employer partners for their continued support to inspire our students.”
Kristiana Klasena, Talent Acquisition Specialist at KCOM, one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners, said: “The employer breakfast meetings keep us up to date with Ron Dearing UTC’s latest news and keep us connected.
“We’re looking forward to taking on more talented Ron Dearing UTC apprentices in the near future.”
Rachael Taylor, Junior Talent Acquisition and HR Advisor at rural internet specialist Quickline, one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Major Partners, said: “It’s our first year as a Major Partner and it’s good for us to network with other businesses to see how they approach taking on apprentices from the UTC.
“We want to develop the younger generation to help them understand what opportunities are available to them in the future.”