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.”
