Students at Ron Dearing UTC are gaining valuable insights to help open their eyes to the opportunities available to them after school thanks to a new programme which is providing the inside scoop on a wide variety of careers.

The school has launched a new ‘Lunch and Learn’ programme for the 2024-25 academic year to equip students with valuable insider knowledge on job roles across a range of industries.

Students from all year groups are invited to attend the sessions and hear from industry experts about their personal career journeys.

The sessions aim to shed light on the essential skills, qualifications and personal qualities students need to access roles in the guest speaker’s field, as well as highlight career pathways and progression routes.

The teenagers will also gain valuable insights into the speakers’ roles, including challenges and rewards of the job, what a typical day looks like and much more.

Lisa Regan, Assistant Principal: Professionalism said: “The strong support from both students and the professional community has made the launch of our Lunch and Learn programme a resounding success.

“This initiative provides enhanced access to excellent careers advice and guidance for our students, allowing them to explore diverse career paths and gain valuable insights from professionals from diverse backgrounds.

“By connecting students with industry experts, we are further enriching their career exploration opportunities, opening their eyes to possibilities they may not have otherwise considered, which will undoubtedly significantly impact their future choices.

“We’ve been incredibly encouraged by the level of student engagement, with students actively choosing to attend these sessions, expressing their gratitude to the volunteers and asking insightful questions.”

Since the programme launched in September, sessions have already featured talks from an Accountant, Bid Writer, Mental Health Nurse and Clinical Lead Nurse, with the first session of the Spring term featuring a talk from an NHS GP.

Year 10 student Megan Huntington has attended two of the sessions from professionals working in medical fields.

She said: “I’m still unsure exactly what I want to do after school so the Lunch and Learn sessions have given me the chance to look at a range of options that are open to me and help me start thinking about what areas I am most interested in.”

Year 12 student, Jim Hagar has also attended a number of the sessions to find out more about career pathways.

They said: “I’m undecided on what I want to do after completing my A Levels, as I’m interested in both the medical field and English, so having the opportunity to hear from people working in both those areas has been really useful and I’m especially looking forward to the journalism talk.”

Fellow Year 12 student Cameron Smith added: “My goal is to become a surgeon so I’ve attended both the nursing and GP talks. They’ve both been really helpful and insightful.

“It’s especially interesting to hear about a day in the life of professionals from various fields and how they reached their current roles.”

Upcoming sessions will feature talks from professionals including a Flight Lieutenant, Journalist, R&D Associate, Professor in Computer Science and many more.

Concluding, Lisa added: “We’re incredibly grateful for the generous contributions of our local professional volunteers, whose insights and experiences are invaluable. Their commitment to supporting the next generation is truly inspiring.

“We’re excited to continue building upon this success, expanding the programme and inviting even more professionals to share their expertise, ensuring our students are well-equipped to navigate their future career paths.”

If you are a professional interested in sharing your career journey with our students, please contact Lisa Regan at [email protected] to express your interest.

Year 13 Students at Ron Dearing UTC have gained valuable skills and insight to help them prepare for their next chapter after full-time education.

The UTC hosted a number of personal development activities during the Autumn term to give students vital skills to help them succeed when taking their first steps into the world of work.

Activities kicked off with an application preparation session hosted by one of Ron Dearing’s founding partners, Spencer Group.

The business’s HR Director Yvonne Moir spoke to students and provided information and guidance on best practices when preparing for and attending interviews and assessment days, including what makes a good covering letter and how to tackle tricky interview questions.

Students also participated in elevator pitches with partner, Harper Fox, and worked on putting together short pitches about their selves, highlighting their skills, experience and best assets to offer a potential employer.

Over 40 volunteers from 15 employer partners also ran mock interviews for the students, who had the opportunity to take part in multiple interviews, utilising the feedback from each one to improve their performance in the next.

 

A Level Photography and Digital Media student, Kai Bulliment, said: “Ron Dearing UTC prepares you for employment from Year 10. I’ve taken part in mock interviews and had really useful feedback covering both my strengths and weaknesses, which will stand me in good stead for when I have actual interviews.

“It’s boosted my confidence, as I know I am capable of making a good impression.”

The personal development activities culminated with Ron Dearing’s annual Apprenticeship Expo. Eighteen of the school’s founding and employer partners attended the event and spoke to students about the exciting opportunities available in fields such as renewable energy, IT, engineering, health and social care, design and recruitment.

Year 13 Double Engineering, Electronics, and Computing student, Olivier Dobosz said: “It’s been great to see what opportunities are available. In recent weeks we have been learning a lot about how to interview, how to speak with employers, how to draft CVs and personal statements, and so much more.

“This has all been really beneficial and I’m feeling confident about applying for jobs in the future.”

 

Many of the school’s alumni, who are now succeeding in their careers, were in attendance and spoke to current students about the experiences of stepping into employment.

One of those was Tom O’Loughlin, who is now a Trainee Engineer at one of the school’s founding partners, Spencer Group.

He said: “When I was at Ron Dearing UTC I learnt about the different employees which are partners of the school and Spencer Group stood out to me because of its diverse range of projects, and the chance to work in all kinds of different environments.

“As a former student myself, it has been great to attend the Apprenticeship Expo on behalf of Spencer Group and share my first-hand experience of going from the school into employment with the current students.”

 

Students were able to ask questions and network with employers, gaining valuable information ahead of apprenticeship and job applications.

Megan Coates, Graduate Development Scientist at Smith + Nephew said: “As a Hull-founded business and a partner of Ron Dearing UTC, it’s great to be able to meet local talent at an early stage.

“The students are always so well prepared for life after education, and events like this – as well as a recent mock interview event that we were also involved with – really contribute towards this.

“We love getting involved with work like this. It’s great to be able to see the enthusiasm from the workers of the future, and who we may end up working alongside in years to come.”

Concluding, Ron Dearing’s Senior Assistant Principal, Glenn Jenson added: “As an employer-led school, it’s vitally important that our employers play a leading part in our curriculum. Part of that is the destinations and the support that we give our young people.

“The Apprenticeship Expo is a fantastic event where our current Year 13 students that are looking to go into industry with some of these employers, can actually speak with them face to face and find out about the types of careers that are on offer this year, and what the companies are doing in a little bit more detail.”

 

Hull’s employer-led school has once again recorded a clean sweep with every single Year 13 student going on to a positive and exciting destination, paving the way for future success at leading businesses across the region and beyond.

A total of 47 of Ron Dearing University Technical College’s (UTC) 143 Year 13 sixth form students secured apprenticeships, including 27 with the school’s Employer Partners.

A further 53 students went to university, including nine at one of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, 30 went into employment and 13 moved on to further or higher education colleges.

The apprenticeships cover a wide range of roles, including aerospace engineering, research and development, IT, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), pipe fitting, wind turbine service and maintenance and more.

Global medical technology business Smith+Nephew, one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners, has taken on four apprentices from Ron Dearing UTC this year.

Heidi Porter, Charlie Pepper, Ethan McGowan and Reuben Hiley, all 18, have hit the ground running in their respective roles.

 

Heidi is an apprentice project engineer, Ethan is a manufacturing apprentice, Charlie is an apprentice electronics engineer and Reuben an operations engineering apprentice, all of them based at the company’s site in Hull.

Former Ron Dearing UTC student Imogen Connolly, 18, has also secured an aerospace engineering degree apprenticeship at BAE Systems in Brough, East Yorkshire, and will be an Aerospace Engineer when she completes her four-year course.

 

BAE Systems provides some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. The business develops, engineers, manufactures and supports products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

The Brough site plays a key role in the air sector as a centre for digital engineering excellence and Imogen could potentially be working on exciting projects from the Global Combat Air Programme to the Dreadnought Submarines Programme.

Jon Milner, Capability Lead at BAE Systems, a Major Partner of Ron Dearing UTC, said: “Many of our senior leaders across the business started their careers as apprentices and they are very valued. We ask a lot of our apprentices, but we give them a lot of support, help and knowledge too.

“Imogen’s apprenticeship is more than just engineering. We’re supporting her to develop as a person and she will also have the opportunity to travel as part of her role in the future.

“We’re delighted to be a Major Partner of Ron Dearing UTC and it’s a great opportunity to shape our future workforce and develop the talent pipeline needed to deliver engineering capability.”

Rolls-Royce Submarines is another major business which has taken on a former Ron Dearing UTC student as a Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprentice.

Oliver Moss, 19, works at the company’s Operations Centre in Derby while also studying at the University of Derby. He is the second Ron Dearing UTC student to be taken on by the company after Evie Hadfield began a Project Management degree apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce in Derby in 2022.

 

Opened in 2017, Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged between 14 and 19, offering a unique model of employer-led education with a specialist focus on creative arts, digital technology, computing and engineering.

Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “We’re so proud of all of our students moving on to amazing destinations and carving out such brilliant futures for themselves.

“Working with our fantastic Employer Partners who help to shape our unique curriculum, we equip our students with crucial skills and opportunities to set them up for life.

“We love hearing the many success stories from our alumni and the incredible feedback from the employers who open the door for them to excel in their chosen careers.”

Students studying Digital Media at Ron Dearing UTC have received a glimpse into the real-world opportunities waiting for them when they leave school after connecting with businesses working in the industry here in Hull.

The group of Year 12 students took part in a three-week industry programme at Hull’s tech hub, C4DI, to help them gain new skills and insight into the industry.

The students engaged in sessions with some of the C4DI businesses which are working in a variety of digital media sectors including Meehan Media and Comms, Influence Media, Larkin PR, Future Humber, Mattix Design and T=Ø.

 

Topics included changes in technology, job opportunities in digital media, career pathways, attributes that employers look for and much more.

The students also had the opportunity to practice their communication skills by pitching questions to people already working in the industry and networking with business leaders.

C4DI’s Head of Partnerships, Linsey Brown, said: “One of the key reasons we’re passionate about supporting these initiatives is our commitment to growing local talent. By opening our doors and sharing our expertise, we’re creating pathways for young people to understand and access careers right on their doorstep.

“We know that the media industry, like many other creative and technical sectors, thrives on fresh perspectives, new voices, and up-and-coming professionals who bring energy and innovation.

“By supporting students and teachers through these sessions, we hope to inspire the next generation, ensure the continuity of skills in our local area, and contribute to a thriving community where homegrown talent can flourish and shape the future of the industry.”

The programme was managed by C4DI’s Projects Assistant, Ellie Parsons, who is herself an alumna of the UTC.

Ellie’s own journey—from student to professional—perfectly illustrates how Ron Dearing’s unique, employer-engaged curriculum sets its students up for successful careers.

Having come through the UTC’s supportive environment, she’s now in a position to give back, guiding new students towards opportunities that can kick-start their own paths to success.

Ellie said: ”Attending Ron Dearing UTC was a life-changing experience that gave me the guidance, skills and confidence to pursue qualifications towards the career I would like to follow.

“The teachers were incredibly supportive, helping me every step of the way and opening doors to future opportunities. If you get the chance to join RDUTC, take it – it’s an opportunity that can shape your future.”

 

Ron Dearing’s Lead Practitioner – Creative, Kate Blowman added: “Thank you to C4DI and all the businesses involved for providing this fantastic opportunity to our young people.

“It was a great chance for the students to expand the knowledge they’ve learnt in the classroom and hear real experiences and advice from professionals in the industry.

“It was also fantastic to see our former student Ellie thriving in her career and sharing her experiences with the next generation of students. It was really inspirational for our current students hear about Ellie’s journey.”

Budding medical students from Ron Dearing UTC received a valuable insight into careers in the healthcare sector, after taking part in a workshop day.

A group of seven A-Level students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical fields recently attended the Young Medic Day, hosted by Hull York Medical School (HYMS).

The day included a range of informative sessions and talks, as well as a hands-on workshop to showcase the career pathways in medicine and health and social care.

The group had the opportunity to speak to current third-year medical students about what life is like for them and their journey so far.  They also met  a HYMS admission tutor to learn about the process of applying for medical school.

In addition, the students took part in sessions with medical professionals including a doctor, phlebotomist and a radiologist to find out more about a few of the different roles available in the medical field.

After the information sessions it was time for the students to get hands-on by taking part in a practical phlebotomy workshop.  Working with fake blood and fake veins, the students used real needles to learn the technique of safely drawing blood from patients.

Ron Dearing UTC Science Teacher Sarah Britchford said: “The day was really informative and gave students a hands-on, real-world insight into careers in healthcare which you can’t replicate in a classroom.

“The students especially loved the phlebotomy workshop, and from the feedback they received from the team at HYMS, they really excelled at it!

“It was also a perfect opportunity for our students to ask questions about life as a medical professional, and the life-changing impact they make every day on patients’ lives.

“Thanks very much to all of the team at HYMS for organising a fantastic and memorable day. Hopefully it has inspired some of our students to pursue a career in healthcare.”

A Ron Dearing UTC sixth form student has her sights set on an exciting career in rugby league after her team won the Women’s League One Grand Final.

Ruby Ellis, 17, played for Hull FC’s Women’s Team last season and they clinched their first ever league title against Fryston Warriers, winning the game 26-18 at Featherstone Rovers’ Millenium Stadium ground in West Yorkshire.

Half back Ruby has played rugby since the age seven and has recently joined the York Valkyrie Under 19s Women’s Academy to further her sporting career.

She has previously played for Hull Kingston Rovers Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s teams and is considering applying to study sport at the University of Hull when she leaves Ron Dearing UTC next year.

But Ruby’s ultimate dream is to play for England and reach the top of her game, making a career out of the sport she adores.

The Year 13 student, who is studying Double Engineering and Computing at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “I love rugby – it’s my whole life. This is the best competition to win and it was a really exciting day.

 

“The last time we played Fryston Warriers they won, so we had to have our heads in the game and put our best foot forward. I could hear our families shouting when we won.

“I’m on a pathway to play for England one day and I would love a career in sport, either as a player or a coach.”

As the season has ended, Ruby is continuing to train hard in the gym every day.

She is currently completing the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme, which is designed for young people aged between 16 and 18 who have the potential to achieve excellence in rugby while pursuing an outstanding education.

The programme will also see Ruby play a game in France in June next year alongside other talented female players.

She said: “Everyone at Ron Dearing UTC has been so supportive and even amended my timetable when I’ve had training.

“They encourage the students to do more outside of the classroom, such as sport, which means I can do what I love and keep fit while studying.”

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re incredibly proud of Ruby and everything she has achieved in rugby so far.

“She’s definitely one to watch and we’re looking forward to following her progress in the years to come.

“We fully support and encourage our students to embrace new experiences and activities outside the classroom and Ruby has demonstrated what can be achieved with determination, commitment and ambition.”

If Ruby’s impressive credentials weren’t enough, her rugby talents were further recognised on Saturday, November 23, when she swept the board at the Women’s Hull FC Presentation, winning the Players’ Player award, the Coaches’ Player award, and a special recognition award from the DiSE programme.

 

Ron Dearing UTC’s annual Christmas market has been hailed a great success as visitors flocked to the festive event.

It was the second time the employer-led school has opened its STEAM Studios creative hub to members of the public, enabling them to buy a range of arts and crafts as well as Christmas gifts, cards and decorations.

Local creatives sold everything from ceramic bowls and vases, textile pictures, wooden candle holders, bags, photographs and books, to hand made jewellery, crystal fairy wands, cushions, prints, Christmas decorations and wreaths.

The event covered two floors of STEAM Studios, doubling the size of last year’s inaugural market.

Olwyn Reading sold her handmade Christmas gifts, cards and decorations to raise money for the Huntingdon’s Disease Association, a charity which is close to her family’s hearts. The charity supports those who are diagnosed with the incurable neurodegenerative disease.

Olwyn, a retired art and design teacher, said: “I make everything I sell in my spare time and I love making things and being creative.

“The Christmas market was my first craft event because I usually make sales from word of mouth.

“It’s a really good idea and I was so pleased to be part of it.”

Kathy King, Ron Dearing UTC Senior Assistant Principal and Joint Head of Sixth Form, and her husband, Andrew, also sold their homemade creations.

Kathy makes crystal jewellery, ceramics and woodland-inspired gifts, while Andrew carves and creates candle holders and charcuterie tables from wood and slate.

 

Kathy said: “The market was a great way of raising awareness of local creatives’ work while also enabling members of the public to visit STEAM Studios. We had a really good response and it might inspire people to have a go at making their own creations.”

Ron Dearing UTC’s Arts Council members also made their own decorations and gifts to sell.

Year 12 students Jacob Kemp and Jack Taylor, both 16, and Year 11 student Amelie Norsworthy, 15, helped to make fridge magnets, jewellery holders, napkin rings, framed ceramics and ornaments for the Christmas market. They raised over £900 for the Arts Council to support the creative work they do.

Amelie said: “I really enjoyed taking part and it helped to boost my confidence. It was nice to meet so many people and I learnt new skills making the decorations and gifts.”

Laura Furniss attended the event with her family, including son Leon Furniss, 14, a Year 10 student at Ron Dearing UTC.

Laura said: “It’s the first time we’ve been to an event at Ron Dearing UTC since Leon joined the school in September. It was nice to have a walk around the market and allow his grandparents to see where he comes to school.

“We bought some decorations, a table centrepiece and some candle holders. It really helped to get us into the festive spirit.”

Hull historian and author Dr Alec Gill MBE and poet and author Audrey Dunne also signed and sold copies of their books at the event.

Lynn Garland-Collins, Ron Dearing UTC’s Director of Creativity, said: “We’re delighted with the success of our Christmas arts market and it was brilliant to see many people there despite the awful weather!

“A tremendous amount of work goes into organising an event like this.  I’d like to thank our amazing Creative team and our Arts Council for their hard work in making it such a success.

“It was lovely welcoming so many talented creative practitioners into STEAM Studios.

“It was also brilliant to see some of our own staff and students selling their handmade creations.

“They are truly talented and it was a great opportunity for them to showcase their work. We’re already looking forward to next year.”

 

Representatives from almost 20 leading businesses attended Ron Dearing UTC’s first Employer Breakfast event of the academic year to find out more about further opportunities to work in partnership with the UTC over the coming year.

The employer-led school aims to hold the event termly, inviting current Employer Partners to learn more about the UTC while looking back over successes and involving them in shaping plans for the future.  The breakfast also creates an excellent networking opportunity for partner businesses.

Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal at the school, shared the UTC’s outstanding exam results with attendees, highlighted the excellent student attendance figures, showcased some of the exciting destinations students have moved on to and thanked them for their continued support which plays such an important role in the UTC’s success.

He also spoke about future engagement opportunities for Employer Partners, including mock interviews, the forthcoming open events, the UTC’s Apprenticeship Expo, employer projects and employability skills sessions to develop specialist and employability skills.

 

New opportunities also include “Lunch and Learn” sessions for students involving 30-minute talks by business representatives to learn more about their industries.

Glenn also encouraged the UTC’s alumni, who are already progressing well in apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships with the school’s Employer Partners, to return to share their experiences with students in 2025.

He said: “It was fantastic to have such a great turnout for our latest Employer Breakfast event and we’re so grateful for our Employer Partners’ ongoing support to offer the best possible opportunities to our students.

“We celebrated the achievements over the past year while looking at the various new and exciting opportunities we’re launching to involve them and their expertise even more.

“Our students are preparing for their next steps in life and our Employer Partners play a crucial role in helping them to make the right decisions and equipping them with essential skills to succeed.”

 

During networking, attendees were able to learn more about each other’s businesses and how they engage with Ron Dearing UTC while helping to shape the unique employer-led curriculum and producing young people with the knowledge and skills that their industries need.

James Hardstaff, General Manager of BAE Systems in Brough, was among those who attended the event. The company, a Major Partner of Ron Dearing UTC, has employed three apprentices from the school to date.

James said: “It’s important to be able to recruit and retain locally, and taking on apprentices from Ron Dearing UTC is a perfect way for us to do that.

“The students want to come to the UTC to learn and you see that in the results. The Employer Breakfast event was a great way to network with like-minded businesses and it’s exciting to see how we can engage with the UTC even further.”

Northern Powergrid, a Partner of Ron Dearing UTC, was also among the business represented.

Nick Charlesworth, the company’s Industrial Resource Manager, who started his career as an apprentice craftsman 32 years ago, said: “This is our third year of being a Ron Dearing UTC Partner and we’re definitely seeing the benefits.

“We have four apprentices from Ron Dearing and they’re all progressing really well. They have the right attitude, the right mindset and they’re focused individuals.

“We’re planning to bring our apprentices back to speak to students next year and they’re very keen to be involved.”

The businesses which attended the event were:

Arco

BAE Systems

C4DI

CATCH

Centrica

Humber HR People

IRISNDT

KCOM

KLAAFE Limited

Litmus Mockups

Northern Powergrid

Porsche Centre Hull

Reckitt

Ridings Consulting Engineers

Sewell Group

Spencer Group

Wood Plc

Two Ron Dearing UTC students spent a month in Kenya helping to make a difference in disadvantaged communities, making memories to last a lifetime.

Year 11 students Isabella Sykes, 16, and Ethan Ehlert, 15, took part in the trip organised by overseas school expedition specialists Camps International, with 19 other students from Hessle High School and Sixth Form College and Cottingham High School and Sixth Form College.

They each had to raise £4,500 over two years to cover the cost of the whole trip and equipment needed for the journey, which began with flying to Nairobi, the country’s capital city, via Frankfurt in Germany.

 

Isabella and Ethan stayed at various camps across the country, sleeping in tents, bunk rooms or basic lodges, and sometimes travelling up to nine hours on a bus between destinations.

They helped to plaster homes and huts, lay floors in a school, make bricks, clean paths, plant trees and carry out wildlife conservation work, as well as meeting local children and families and seeing an array of animals in the wild.

Isabella said: “The experience made me realise I don’t need everything I have at home. I can live for a month out of a little bag, in a tiny room, and I don’t need my phone all the time.

“It taught me to go outdoors more and opened my eyes to how other people live. I haven’t stopped talking about it since we came back. It’s a beautiful country and it was worth the two-year fundraising struggle.”

Isabella and Ethan held car boot and bake sales to help raise some of the money required for the trip and they both set up online fundraising pages to gain sponsorship from family and friends. Raffles also helped to add to Ethan’s total.

 

Ethan said: “I wanted to try something new and it took me out of my comfort zone. I made some really good friends and learnt a lot about myself, such as how I am when I’m away from home and living with other people.

“Everyone was so welcoming and I didn’t see one unhappy person. No matter what conditions the local people were living in, they always had smiles on their faces.

“Some adults don’t learn what we’ve learnt, or see what we’ve seen, and I’m so pleased we went. We saw a lot of wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, giraffes and lots of insects.”

 

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “This was an incredible opportunity for Isabella and Ethan and an experience they will remember forever.

“We’re proud of them for stepping outside their comfort zones and taking on such a challenge, including fundraising, being away from home for four weeks and learning vital life skills.”