Three former Ron Dearing UTC students are working at the forefront of the heating industry’s move towards a greener future after securing apprenticeships with industry leader, Ideal Heating.

The UTC has strengthened its relationship with the leading Hull business which is also a Major Partner of the school after former students Holly Owst, Max Sladzevskis and Robbie Kew secured sought after apprenticeships in the businesses 2025 apprentice cohort.

This year’s apprentice cohort at Ideal is made up entirely of Ron Dearing students, with a number of other alumni from the school having secured positions in previous cohorts and now excelling in their studies.

The apprenticeships will include work within the growing heat pumps sector, reflecting how Ideal Heating is leading the industry’s transition from gas boilers to low-carbon solutions.

 

Holly Owst is starting her five-year apprenticeship with the business after completing applied science and double engineering courses at Ron Dearing’s sixth form.

She said: “Engineering wasn’t originally on my radar. I initially wanted to join the police, but when I heard about the excellent engineering programmes at Ron Dearing UTC, I decided that’s what I wanted to do.

“I’d actually struggled with science at secondary school, but Ron Dearing’s applied approach made everything click. Now I’d consider it one of my strongest areas.

“Beyond technical skills, I’m focused on developing my confidence and communication abilities during my apprenticeship. I’d also like to become a role model for young women, showing them that any career path is achievable with determination and the right support, whether that’s engineering or any other field they’re passionate about.”

 

Max Sladzevskis is beginning a Research and Development-Design apprenticeship focusing on Heat Pumps, after studying Double Engineering and A-Level Physics at Ron Dearing.

He said: “I was drawn to pursuing an apprenticeship because of the benefits of getting hands-on experience while learning and gaining professional qualifications. Even just in the first week of being here, I’ve already learnt so much, using programmes I’ve learnt about in college and applying my skills to real projects.

“One of the things that really appealed to me about Ideal Heating is that it’s part of Groupe Atlantic, which operates internationally. I’d really like to be able to travel with work in future, so joining Ideal Heating will open doors to enable me to do that.”

 

Heat Pump Technician Apprentice Robbie Kew is beginning his engineering career with a three-year apprenticeship after completing a triple engineering course at the UTC.

He said: “I applied for this apprenticeship because of it being quite a hands-on job, which I prefer over being sat at a desk.

“I know that Ideal Heating has strong family values, which is another reason why I wanted to join. They have been very welcoming and it’s been good from the start.

“It’s exciting to be at a company like this because there’s so much change happening. Obviously it’s been boilers for quite a long time, but heat pumps are where it’s going.”

Budding artists and designers at Ron Dearing UTC are honing their skills and discovering their creative calling thanks to the launch of a brand-new Art and Design Foundation Course.

The year-long programme leads to a Level 4 qualification in Art and Design and was created in response to student demand. It gives them the chance to ‘try before they buy’, exploring a range of art and design specialisms before choosing their future pathway.

It’s the first course of its kind at Ron Dearing and builds on the success of the school’s STEAM Studios – a dedicated creative hub with gallery, exhibition, 2D and 3D art and photography spaces. The popularity of the new course highlights how far creative subjects have developed at the school in just two years.

The first cohort of seven students, all of whom previously studied at Ron Dearing’s sixth form, have already begun exploring areas including photography, fine art, fashion design, 3D and graphics.

 

To mark the launch, they shared why they chose the course and what they hope to achieve.

Matthew Bestley, who is considering ceramics as a career, said: “This course gives me more time to decide. I think I want to do ceramics, but I want this extra year to build my skills before choosing whether to go to university or try to make it as an artist myself. I think a lot of people here feel the same.”

Kitty Every explained that the variety of the course is what appealed to her: “I chose the foundation course because I wanted another year at home, and I love that it isn’t just one subject. It’s more multifaceted, with the chance to explore fine art, 3D, graphics, photography and lens-based work. I made a film last year and hope to progress in that area, but more than anything I just want to keep progressing in my art and learn as much as I can.

“I’d like to go on to Leeds to study film after this, but it all depends on how the year goes.”

Hayden Taylor hopes the course will help him turn a long-standing passion into a career: “I think I want to go into 3D and focus on interior design, because I’ve got a real passion for it. Hopefully I can get an apprenticeship in the industry and work for companies, but I’d also like to start developing houses myself to rent or sell. Focusing on interior design in this course will help me build the skills I need for that.

“I’m also interested in lens-based work and might look at photography. I haven’t fully decided yet, but I’m hoping for an apprenticeship – and if not, I’ll keep developing my skills so I can go self-employed.”

Kal Mears, who has ambitions in the digital art world, added: “I’m mostly focused on digital art, especially character design and concept art. I want to go to university to study concept and comic art, but I chose the foundation course to give me an extra year to develop my skills – things like human anatomy, character design and everything that goes into it – so I feel fully confident before I move on.”

The foundation course is 100% coursework-based and externally moderated by University of the Arts London (UAL), one of the world’s leading institutions for art, design and creative education.

Senior Assistant Principal and Creative Director, Lynn Garland Collins, said: “The course is designed to give students the opportunity to experiment creatively, helping them to decide on a creative pathway they want to follow in the future, whether that’s university, the workplace or another route. It’s much more like an art college approach – everyone is based in one studio with their own space to work which is theirs for the whole year.  There are lectures and tutorial but no fixed lessons.  Students work independently on their own work with access to specialist tutors and technicians.  It’s a really exciting development for RDUTC and we’re thrilled the students came up with the idea!

Course Leader Rachel Fussey added: “We introduced the Foundation course in response to students who wanted to take more time exploring their next creative steps and were keen to do that at STEAM Studios.  They are an extremely talented bunch and we are delighted to have them for an extra year and to be able to continue to oversee their creative development.

“The first week has been amazing. Students have been really receptive to the tasks we’ve set, and they’ve enjoyed thinking outside the box and reflecting on their practice in the way artists do day to day.”