Student experiences life in the fast lane with dream Formula 1 work placement

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A budding motorsport engineer has completed a dream work placement with one of the world’s leading Formula 1 teams.

Jasper Gourley, 18, secured the much sought-after opportunity at Williams Racing while he was a sixth form student at Hull’s employer-led school, Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC).

Jasper was the envy of his friends in clinching the work experience opportunity with one of the most famous names in F1.

Former Ron Dearing UTC student Jasper Gourley thoroughly enjoyed his work experience placement at Williams Racing, one of the world’s leading Formula 1 teams.

 

Williams Racing is one of the most successful teams in the history of F1, with its cars driven by some of the biggest names on the Grand Prix circuit over the years, including Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet and Damon Hill.

Jasper spent four days at Williams Racing’s headquarters in Oxfordshire, touring the facility, visiting each department, and meeting team members to find out more about their roles and potential future career opportunities.

Jasper visited the company’s on site museum and the “Mission Control” room where engineers watch races and provide feedback to the team on track, as well as taking part in simulated races in which he was part of the winning team.

He also participated in a marketing and design workshop to help to prepare the livery and launch for next year’s F1 car, followed by a presentation.

Jasper was among 20 students from schools and colleges across the country selected for the Williams Racing work placement.

Jasper achieved A-levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and an Engineering technical qualification at Ron Dearing UTC and now plans to study Mathematics at Durham University. He hopes to become a F1 engineer in the future.

Jasper said: “Securing the work placement at Williams was absolutely amazing. The tour was a great way to start as it gave us a flavour of every department. It was really interesting to hear from everyone about their jobs and what they do.

“I learnt so much in four days; less about the technical side and more about how to pursue a career in motorsport engineering.

“If I hadn’t gone to Ron Dearing I don’t think I would have been able to progress as well as I have. I applied when the Williams Racing opportunity came up online and all the experiences I’ve had at Ron Dearing UTC really helped my CV and got me noticed.

“This is definitely a step in the right direction for the career I want. Williams Racing is a really great place to be and everyone made me really welcome.”

The Ron Dearing UTC Ron Racing team, including budding motorsport engineer Jasper Gourley, finished fifth overall in the UK National Finals of the F1 in Schools challenge. Pictured, from left, are Elliot Johnson, Will Jones, Heidi Porter, Jasper and Harry Tyler.

 

Jasper was among Ron Dearing UTC students who competed in the F1 in Schools UK challenge, the world’s largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition.

The challenge sees more than one million schoolchildren from 40 countries take part each year. Each team designs and manufactures a miniature car based on the official F1 model using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).

The cars are powered using CO₂ cartridges and are attached to a 25m track by a nylon wire and raced. The teams also design their own branding and logos, plan social media and marketing strategies to promote themselves, deliver presentations and raise sponsorship for their teams.

The Ron Racing team, including Jasper, finished fifth overall of 32 teams in the UK National Finals held earlier this year.

Following the team’s success, Jasper was one of just two Ron Dearing UTC students to be offered a dream VIP experience day at Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art headquarters.

Jasper Gourley stands in front of the main fan in the wind tunnel used to test the aerodynamic performance of cars at Williams Racing.

 

The luxury British sports car manufacturer invited him to spend a day at the company’s Coventry base, learning everything from how the cars are designed to viewing the latest prototypes. He also met one of Aston Martin’s head designers and found out how the cars are made.

Jasper said: “I feel really grateful for the opportunities I had at Ron Dearing UTC and the support I was given. None of this would have been possible without that.”

Ron Dearing UTC’s Employer Partners help to shape, support and deliver the school’s unique curriculum, enabling students to prepare for the world of work and secure exciting work experience and employment opportunities with some of the region’s leading businesses and beyond.

Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “The Williams Racing placement was a truly amazing experience for Jasper and a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of one of the world’s leading Formula 1 teams.

“We’re delighted all of the experiences he’s had have spurred him on to pursue his dream and we know he has a great future ahead of him in the world of motorsport engineering.

“We’re looking forward to following Jasper’s progress and wish him the very best of luck.”

Arco experts teach Ron Dearing UTC students all about safety

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Engineering students at Hull’s Ron Dearing UTC have been learning all about workplace safety, thanks to the experts at Arco.

As part of the city centre school’s Engineering Safety Week [September 9-13], the Hull-based safety specialist held workshops for students, featuring an interactive display area based around virtual reality (VR) and a competition focused on working at height safety.

Arco’s Brian Grunes, Louise Brown and Nerys Knight ran back-to-back sessions throughout the day, with groups of students ranging from Year 10 – 13. Students took part in a competition to see who could put on a safety harness and correctly fasten it in the quickest time, featuring a ‘Top Gear’ style leaderboard and a £50 Arco voucher for the winner.

The students were then introduced to a range of working at height scenarios using VR headsets. They experienced the fall potential and safety considerations of working at height, with virtual settings including Blackpool Tower and Hull’s own landmark The Deep.

Brian Grunes, Technical Lead for Confined Spaces at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “The students seemed to really enjoy our virtual reality experiences, which allow learners to experience the dangers posed in high-risk working environments, but in a safe and engaging way.

“Many asked questions and appreciated the opportunity Arco provides as a future employer. The day was a huge success and we’re all looking forward to returning in the future.”

Arco’s Brian Grunes and Louise Brown lead a virtual reality workshop.

 

Kayleigh Whitehead, 17, who is studying double engineering, maths and physics at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “It was a great experience that allowed us to see how the health and safety work we do at the UTC is used in industry and its importance to people’s everyday life.”

Arco has been a major partner of Ron Dearing UTC since the college opened in 2017, helping the college address the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) skills gap.

Earlier this year, Arco donated personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, safety footwear and safety glasses, for students to wear during their workshop training, as well as branding the UTC’s workshop and digital lab space.

UTC students compete to put on a safety harness in the quickest time.

 

Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “Health and safety awareness is one of the fundamental threads that flows through the different engineering pathways at Ron Dearing UTC.

“Having a prestigious sector leader such as Arco showcasing at the UTC is amazing for our students and further enriches our fantastic employer-led curriculum.”

Spencer Group expands M&E team with intake of apprentices from Ron Dearing UTC

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Spencer Group is continuing to develop a pipeline of young talent through its ongoing partnership with Ron Dearing UTC, with the addition of four new apprentices.

The Hull-based engineering specialist, a Founding Partner of the employer-led school, welcomed the newest recruits who will be working in a variety of roles across the business.

Level 3 Electrical Apprentices, Mason Creighton and Johnny Reilly, join Spencer Group’s growing M&E team which plays a vital role in delivering the business’s cross-sector proficiencies, and enhances its in-house capabilities.

The new apprentices will learn from industry experts and will work across rail, bridges, build and civil, providing in-house services to each department, which places the Group in a strong position to meet client requirements.

Mason Creighton, 18, has joined Spencer Group as a Level 3 Electrical Apprentice.

 

Mason, 18, has joined the team after completing his studies in Triple Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC.

He said: “After seeing my dad working as a contractor on building sites, I knew I wanted to learn a trade as it would provide me with a stable career. I knew that an apprenticeship would be the best way for me to learn whilst starting to earn.

“I was attracted to join Spencer Group in particular because of the wide variety of interesting projects they are involved with and the opportunity to gain further qualifications in future.

“My goal for the future is to work my way up into a managerial position. I feel confident I will be able to achieve that at Spencer Group, I’ve already spoken to so many people in management roles here who started out as an apprentice just like me, so that is really inspiring.”

Spencer Group has also taken on two new Engineering Apprentices, Michael Ward and Dylan McCallion, who are completing their Level 4 HNC Civil Engineer and Technician qualifications.

Dylan McCallion, 18, has joined the business as an Engineering Apprentice and is completing his Level 4 HNC Civil Engineer and Technician qualification.

 

Dylan, 18, has joined the team after completing an Engineering Diploma at Ron Dearing UTC.

He said: “I learn much better through hands-on, practical experiences rather than sitting in a classroom, so I knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship.

“I was really impressed by the different projects Spencer Group does, as well as the fact they work all over the UK. I like to travel so I’m looking forward to being able to see new places.

“During my apprenticeship I’ll be rotating around all the departments which I think will help me learn a wide variety of skills as well as helping me decide what area I’d like to specialise in.”

The new Electrical Apprentices will join the M&E team, following in the footsteps of Operations Director Dan Whittle, who started at the business as an apprentice himself.

Operations Director Dan Whittle, begun his career as an apprentice and welcomed the newest recruits to the business.

 

Dan began his time at Spencer Group in 2006 as an Apprentice Electrician and after completing HNC and HND courses worked his way up to becoming a Site Engineer.

He went on to complete Undergraduate and Masters Degrees and progressed through the roles of Project Engineer, Project Manager and Project Director.

Dan said: “Throughout my career the team at Spencer Group has supported me to move outside of my comfort zone, which has pushed me to develop and grow.

“I’ve also been provided with great career progression opportunities. I’ve been allowed to grow within the business, gaining experience from undertaking challenging projects and this has been made possible by having a strong support network.

“Having started my career in the same position almost 20 years ago, I know how beneficial an apprenticeship is and I’m excited to see what they achieve in the coming years.”

As a Founding Partner of Ron Dearing UTC, Spencer Group works closely with students from year 10 onwards with attendance at open events and career expos. The business also provides ongoing support including work experience, interview skills training, mock interview practice, and professional behaviours and employability skills training.

The newest apprentices join over fifty former Ron Dearing UTC students who have taken up full time positions in Engineering, Commercial, Project Management, Design, Marketing, Planning, IT Services and Computer Programming roles.

Yvonne Moir, HR Director at Spencer Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome four new apprentices into the business this year, as part of our ongoing partnership with education provider Ron Dearing UTC.

“The college continues to provide us with a talent stream of young people, who fit our specific requirements.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the new apprentices hit the ground running, following the education and employability skills instilled in them from the moment they joined Ron Dearing.”

Ron Dearing UTC makes ‘grade-A’ appointments as it bolsters leadership teams for new academic year

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Ron Dearing UTC has expanded its top team, adding additional knowledge and skills to its successful curriculum with five new colleagues.

Zaeem Basit, Sabina Abedin, Al Robinson, Gemma Elliott and Rachel Fussey have a wealth of teaching and leadership experience and will enhance the school’s Creative, Digital and Computing, Engineering and English departments.

Zaeem has joined the school’s Senior Leadership Team as Senior Assistant Principal for Digital and Computing.

The UTC’s Leadership Team has been bolstered by Sabina as Deputy Head of English, Al as Head of Engineering and Gemma and Rachel both as Deputy Head of Creative, based in the UTC’s state-of-the-art STEAM Studios creative hub.

Zaeem, who has worked in education for five years, has relocated from London to Hull to take up the position at Ron Dearing UTC and was previously Director of Learning for T Levels, a two-year qualification for sixth form students, at Leigh UTC in Dartford.

He will lead RDUTC’s whole school digital strategy and oversee the Digital and Computing curriculum pathway, as well as teaching Computer Science.

Zaeem said: “Everyone had such smiley faces during my interview and I knew straight away I wanted to work here.

“I attended the recent A-level and GCSE results days and everyone was very upbeat and excited. I want to have a positive impact on all the RDUTC students and help them to become responsible digital citizens, regardless of whether they are studying digital qualifications.”

Five new colleagues have joined Ron Dearing UTC’s top team. Pictured, from left to right, is Sabina Abedin, Deputy Head of English, Zaeem Basit, Senior Assistant Principal for Digital and Computing, Al Robinson, Head of Engineering, and Gemma Elliott and Rachel Fussey, both Deputy Head of Creative.

 

Sabina was previously Literacy Leader at Kelvin Hall School in Hull and has been teaching for 10 years. She will work with the UTC’s Head of English, Jack Campbell, to lead the department, which has recently expanded to offer additional English A-levels in response to demand from students.

Sabina said: “I’ve heard so many great things about Ron Dearing UTC and I’m really excited to join the team.

“I hope to bring enrichment and my love of reading to the school. Ron Dearing’s links and involvement with Employer Partners is what sets it apart and sets students up for great careers.”

Al, a teacher with 24 years’ experience, previously held the positions of Curriculum Director at Wyke Sixth Form College, and Head of Maths and Head of Engineering at Wilberforce Sixth Form College, both in Hull. He will lead the UTC’s large and expanding Engineering pathway and teach Engineering to both Key Stage 4 and sixth form students.

Al said: “Ron Dearing UTC is really well respected and its links with industry are really positive. The students are very well supported and have excellent university and apprenticeship opportunities available to them. I’m delighted to join the team.”

Gemma, former Key Stage 5 Coordinator in Art and Design at St Mary’s College in Hull, has worked in education for seven years and will work with the Creative Leadership Team to develop the rapidly growing Creative curriculum, focusing particularly on qualifications in Graphic Communications. Gemma will also teach Art and Photography.

She said: “I wanted to work in a college environment which is industry-led and I’m excited to help develop the Creative A-level courses here.

“STEAM Studios is an amazing facility and the space is so flexible, almost like a university-style environment. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

Rachel was previously Head of Art at Kingswood Academy in Hull and has been teaching for 12 years. She will bring her expertise to developing and teaching the recently introduced A-levels in Fine Art and 3D Design.

Rachel said: “Joining Ron Dearing UTC is an exciting fresh start and the new facilities at STEAM Studios are amazing.

“The positivity from the staff is really impressive and everyone is super friendly. The students are happy to come here, they want to be here and they want to do well and excel.

“I’m looking forward to my career here. I feel part of the Ron Dearing UTC family already.”

Ron Dearing UTC’s top team expands. Pictured, from left to right, are Gemma Elliott and Rachel Fussey, both Deputy Head of Creative, Al Robinson, Head of Engineering, Sabina Abedin, Deputy Head of English, and Zaeem Basit, Senior Assistant Principal for Digital and Computing.

 

The new appointments bring the total number of Senior Leaders to 15 alongside 16 in the Leadership Team.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “Zaeem, Sabina, Al, Gemma and Rachel are settling in brilliantly and bring a wealth of experience to the table.

“We attracted exceptionally strong applicants for these positions and it’s great we’ve managed to appoint such high-power leaders who are all subject specialists and great teachers. We’re delighted they chose Ron Dearing UTC and can’t wait to see them progress their careers with us.

“They will support our excellent existing team in further developing our unique curriculum, inspiring our students to be the best they can be and enabling them to excel in their studies.”