Record number of businesses and alumni support UTC’s Careers Expo

A record number of the region’s leading businesses turned out to support an annual Careers Expo which helps to inspire Ron Dearing UTC students as they consider their future options.

Support from more than 30 businesses ensured it was the school’s most successful event of its kind to date, showcasing careers in renewable energy, creative, IT, engineering, medical, recruitment, safety and more.

Hundreds of Year 10 and Year 12 students met business representatives to find out more about their industries and the employment, apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship options available. Royal Navy colleagues also attended to share their potential opportunities.

Many of the school’s former students returned for the event to help inspire the next generation and share their career journeys so far.

The event was also open to prospective Year 12 students who hope to secure the required grades to join Ron Dearing UTC’s outstanding sixth form in September.

Staff from leading East Yorkshire-based wind power specialist Boston Energy were among those who attended the Careers Expo.

Laura Botham, Head of People at Boston Energy, is also a Governor at the UTC and chairs the school’s Employability Skills Committee.

She said: “We want to showcase opportunities in our fast-growing wind industry to young talent. Ron Dearing UTC students are ambitious, they have so much energy and they are job ready.

“They have come through a school like no other where employability skills are understood. They speak our language before they even come for an interview.”

Staff from Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust also attended the event, representing the Trust’s radiotherapy and clinical engineers.

Craig Murdock, the Trust’s Business Manager for Clinical Engineering, said: “We have lots of experience and highly skilled colleagues in our sector, but we need to start looking at training younger people now to fill the gaps which will come in the future.

“I started my career as a junior engineer more than 20 years ago and progressed from there. It can definitely be a job for life.”

Former Ron Dearing UTC student Tomasso Eastwood is completing a degree apprenticeship to become a Radiotherapy Equipment Engineer at the Trust.

He said: “I loved my time at Ron Dearing UTC and it’s great to come back to help inspire the next generation.

“I’m completing my degree through the University of Bristol while working full time and getting paid, so I won’t have any debt at the end of it.”

Year 10 student Ethan Burletson, 14, said: “I spoke to staff from Quickline who told us about their industry, broadband and what they do. I’d like to become an engineer in the future and the expo was a great chance to meet people who work in engineering roles.”

Ron Dearing UTC Year 10 student Ethan Burletson, 14, speaks to Connor Moore, Social Value Exec at Quickline

 

Prospective Year 12 student Isla Thornton, 16, hopes to join Ron Dearing UTC in September, providing she achieves the required exam results next month.

Isla, who plans to study Double Engineering and Media, said: “I would like an apprenticeship when I leave sixth form and the expo gave me chance to see how many opportunities are available in the future. Fingers crossed I get the right grades to join Ron Dearing UTC.”

Prospective Year 12 student Isla Thornton, 16, attended the Careers Expo

 

Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal – Employer Engagement at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “The Careers Expo was our biggest and best yet.

“It was fantastic to see so many of our alumni who are already working in industry sharing their stories as they continue move forward in their careers.

“Events like this broaden our students’ options and horizons in the engineering, creative, health and IT sectors and it’s brilliant to have the support of so many businesses, many of which are already our Employer Partners.”

Ron Dearing student biologists soak up science on field trip

Budding scientists from Ron Dearing UTC increased their biology knowledge during an action-packed residential field trip in North Yorkshire.

Twenty Year 12 biology students visited the Cranedale Centre in Malton as part of their A-level studies.

The three day visit saw them take part in practical activities including succession, sampling techniques and setting camera traps to monitor and view moths, small mammals and invertebrates.

Ron Dearing UTC student Noa Ayala weighs a crab sample to measure the energy in a trophic level, at Filey Bridge.

 

Succession is the study of how an ecosystem changes over time and the students visited the nearby Wharram Quarry Nature reserve to take soil samples and measure plant and animal biodiversity, helping them to understand the process.

The students completed freshwater investigations before processing and analysing the data and visited Filey to sample various species. They also measured oxygen levels, temperature and other abiotic factors in two stream areas of Pocklington, East Yorkshire.

From left to right: Students Josh Robson-Moore, Josh Bishoprick, Josh Gray, and Giacomo Davis, kick sample in a stream.

 

Sarah Buchan, Lead Practitioner for Biology at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “The students really enjoyed working together and appreciated the hands-on experience of learning about different eco systems and sampling methods.

“It was invaluable and gave them much more breadth and depth of biology knowledge while learning from the centre’s experts and specialists.

“This was our third annual visit to the Cranedale Centre and we’re already looking forward to next year’s trip.”

The Cranedale Centre is a residential field studies centre which provides tailored academic field courses for British and overseas students.

Year 12 student Josh Bishoprick, 17, said: “The trip increased my interest in fieldwork and brought our learning in the classroom to life. I enjoyed the teamwork aspect of the trip and analysing data.”

Fellow Year 12 student George Martin, 17, who hopes to pursue a scientific career in the future, said: “The freshwater investigations were really interesting. We were able to see, first-hand, the effect and influence people have on our environment and how much it is impacted by what we do.

“It’s great that Ron Dearing UTC gave us this opportunity because it helps me prepare for my future.”

North Yorkshire field trip success for budding biologists

Budding biologists from Ron Dearing UTC took part in a three-day residential field trip as part of their A-level studies.

Eight Year 12 students stayed at Cranedale Centre, a residential field studies centre which provides tailored academic field courses for British and overseas students in Malton, North Yorkshire.

The students covered the ecology aspects of their A-level Biology course in detail, including succession, sampling techniques and energy in ecosystems.

Students identify samples from the stream

 

Succession is the study of how an ecosystem changes over time and the students visited the nearby Wharram Quarry Nature Reserve to take soil samples and measure plant and animal biodiversity at various locations, helping them to understand the process.

The students also had to plan and carry out their own investigations, which took place at the centre.

Their main study involved sampling two areas of a stream and gathering data to find out whether nitrate levels and oxygen availability had been affected by a waterworks factory close to the stream.

They measured different species living in each part of the stream and carried out statistical analysis to discover if there had been a significant effect.

The students chose how and where to sample, with tutors on hand to show them how to use the equipment or help with identifying different species.

A local farmer explained how she manages her herd, maintaining genetic diversity during breeding and dealing with disease, during the visit. She also spoke to students and answered questions about the grants available for biodiversity maintenance following Brexit and the challenges facing farming in the UK.

A local farmer talks to students about her herd

 

Sarah Buchan, Lead Practitioner for Biology at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “It was fantastic field trip and all of the students showed great interest and knowledge, learning so much over the three day visit.

“They also set up an overnight Longworth trap for mammals and a Robinson trap for moths.

“Having discussed the ethics of using such traps, they now have a much deeper understanding of the strategies used by ecologists to monitor populations.

“We saw an owl on our camera trap and four out of our eight traps were triggered by small mammals. The students were able to identify and look at two mice and two voles before releasing them back into the wild.

“The Cranedale Centre provides specialist tutors and equipment, enabling students have an in-depth insight into ecological studies.

“We were lucky to have some glorious weather and it was an excellent experience for all involved.”

Taking a kick sample from the stream

 

Year 12 student Louie Johnson, who took part in the visit, said: “It was fun being in our group and the staff were knowledgeable.

“Learning how to set traps and understanding why we set them in certain ways, so it doesn’t affect habitats and animal health, was really interesting.”

Students set up Longworth traps

Ron Dearing UTC awards celebrate student excellence

The outstanding achievements of Ron Dearing UTC students have been marked at a special awards ceremony.

The Celebration of Achievement Awards were attended by Year 10 and Year 12 students, as well as their parents or carers, members of the UTC’s Governing Board, representatives from the school’s Founding Partners and Ron Dearing UTC Patron and former Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson.

The outstanding achievements of Ron Dearing UTC students have been marked at a special awards ceremony.

 

Several Year 10 students received accolades for productivity and achievement in their core, digital and engineering subjects, while others were recognised for professional values and behaviour, and employability skills.

Three Year 10 students, Imogen Ovington, Phoebe Ovington and Leisha Buckley won the Special Contribution to the Community Award after forming a friendship group at Ron Dearing UTC to support peers experiencing difficulties settling in.

The three girls have also worked closely with pastoral staff to set up a “Peer Buddy” scheme to support all new Year 10 students to settle in and feel at home from September 2023 and volunteered to run a “quiet room” at social times for any students who may need it.

Fellow Year 10 student James Bedford won the Ron Dearing Digital Talent of the Year Specialism Award for excellence in computer science where he has excelled at understanding and using different coding languages.

Year 10 student Lewis Batty was presented with the KCOM Award for Best Communicator, receiving the Founding Partners Award for always engaging in discussions and sharing thought-provoking opinions and ideas with external visitors and his peers.

The Celebration of Achievement Awards were attended by Year 10 and Year 12 students, as well as their parents or carers, members of the UTC’s Governing Board, representatives from the school’s Founding Partners and Ron Dearing UTC Patron and former Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson.

 

The Year 12 awards saw students recognised for productivity and achievement in their A-level subjects, as well as accolades for digital, photography and engineering qualifications, employability skills and professional values and behaviour.

Charlie Gibson received the award for the Engineer of the Year and Jay Rutter was named the Ron Dearing UTC Creative Talent of the Year.

The following Year 12 students were also recognised with Founding Partners’ Awards:

  • The University of Hull Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement – Francesca Wilkes-Oliver
  • The Reckitt Award for Inspirational Leadership – Jack Shephard
  • The Siemens Gamesa Quality Excellence Award – Jasper Gourley
  • The Smith+Nephew Award for Innovation – Harry Tyler
  • The Spencer Group Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community – Shuhrra Amudi
The Alan Johnson Award for Young Advocates of the Year was presented to Year 12 student Olesia Khrypunova.

 

The Alan Johnson Award for Young Advocates of the Year was presented to Year 12 student Olesia Khrypunova, with praise from the judges including: “Olesia epitomises Ron Dearing UTC’s vision of the ideal student.”

The awards recognised Year 10 and 12 students’ hard work throughout the year.

 

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We are so proud of our students and how hard they’ve worked this year.

“These awards are a special way to recognise everything they’ve put into their studies and how, in many cases, they have gone above and beyond what they learn in the classroom to extend their skills and develop their personal brands.

“We hope they are as proud of themselves as we are of them and we look forward to welcoming them back for another successful year in September.”

Ron Dearing UTC student set to represent UK at international camp in Argentina

A Ron Dearing UTC student who is part of a global organisation dedicated to inspiring peace is set the represent the UK in Argentina later this year.

Year 11 student George Campbell-Hamilton, 15, is a member of Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV), a not-for-profit organisation which educates and inspires action for a more just and peaceful world.

It supports children and young people to develop their potential as future leaders and active citizens, encouraging them to make a difference in their own communities and across the world.

Members also build global friendships and networks, learning more about human rights, diversity, conflict resolution and sustainable development while promoting friendship and mutual understanding to achieve peace.

George will travel to Argentina as an International Peace Delegate on Boxing Day, December 27, and meet other delegates from across the world at the two-week camp.

Year 11 student George Campbell-Hamilton is a member of Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV), a not-for-profit organisation which educates and inspires action for a more just and peaceful world.

 

George, who was inspired to join CISV after his sisters pursued similar paths with the organisation, said: “We talk about what’s happening in our own country, as well as about the environment and global issues.

“Being part of CISV since I was nine years old has given me more confidence to speak in front of large crowds and knowledge of new things happening in the world and human rights. I’ve learnt so much.

“You meet so many different people from different backgrounds and experience their culture. I’m really excited to go to Argentina and do the same there.”

George, who hopes to become an Astrophysicist, Anaesthetist or a Radiologist in the future, has already represented the UK at CISV camps in Portugal, Brazil and Sweden, as well as closer to home in London and Leeds.

He added: “I think people across the world can often be quick to act without thinking about the consequences on the environment and peace relations.

“Being part of CISV helps me to take into account a lot more factors around world issues than I would have done before.”

Founded in 1950, CISV member associations operate in more than 60 countries and over 200 cities around the world.

CISV is a global organisation dedicated to inspiring peace

 

CISV is also an official partner of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation  (UNESCO), which promotes world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re incredibly proud of George and the work he is doing to broaden his own horizons while understanding and learning more about important global issues and cultures.

“The skills he is gaining through CISV will help him throughout his entire life, especially as he begins to think about his next steps after Ron Dearing UTC.

“We actively encourage our students to embrace opportunities like this this outside the classroom to enrich their learning and give them new experiences. We’re looking forward to hearing more about George’s trip to Argentina when he returns.”

Ron Dearing UTC tops national apprenticeships table

Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has been named as the country’s top performing school or college for the percentage of students moving on to apprenticeships following sixth form.

The employer-led school, which is rated Outstanding by education regulator Ofsted, is ranked number one out of more than 4,500 schools and colleges in England in the Department for Education’s latest destinations data for Year 13 leavers.

Of the 74 Year 13 sixth form students who took Level 3 A-level or technical qualifications in 2019, more than half (54%) went onto apprenticeships and sustained their destination – the highest percentage of any English school or college.

In addition, almost every student went onto positive destinations, including 32% progressing to further or higher education and 9% securing employed roles which were not apprenticeships.

The data for Ron Dearing UTC covers students who studied level 3 qualifications, including A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Level 3 technical qualifications in Engineering, iMedia, Art and Design and Computing.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley.

 

The news comes during National Apprenticeship Week 2022 – the 15th annual celebration of the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “This is fantastic news. We thought we were the most successful school or college within our region in terms of students taking up apprenticeships and we knew we were significantly above the national average, which was 7% in 2019. But we didn’t know, until now, that we were the country’s top performing school for progression to apprenticeships.

“It’s a credit to our unique curriculum, employer-led model of learning and links with leading businesses across the region, many of whom recruit our students into high-quality apprenticeships.

“It’s also notable that six of the top 10 schools and colleges included in the data are UTCs, which demonstrates that the UTC educational approach is delivering the knowledge and skills employers want and industry needs.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank our brilliant university and employer partners, who play such a vital role in our students’ impressive successes. It’s another proud achievement for Ron Dearing UTC and everyone associated with us.”

The apprenticeships secured by the 2019 Ron Dearing UTC sixth form students were varied, ranging from engineering and web development, to manufacturing, quality control, accountancy and more.

Spencer Group apprentice Evie Westoby, a former student of Ron Dearing UTC.

 

Since then, in both 2020 and 2021 every one of the Ron Dearing UTC’s Year 13 students went on to apprenticeships, university, employment, further education or the Armed Forces.

The outstanding record of progression into apprenticeships underlines Ron Dearing UTC’s success in delivering on the school’s vision to create work-ready young people with the advanced digital and engineering skills needed by businesses across the region.

Former student Evie Westoby, now 21, left Ron Dearing UTC in 2019 to begin an engineering apprenticeship at Spencer Group, one of the school’s Founding Partners. She has since become one of 14 former students who have secured permanent roles with the Hull-based engineering business.

Evie, who is now a Trainee Engineer, said: “Ron Dearing UTC played a major part in helping me to secure an apprenticeship because of the connections it has with so many businesses. The school helped me to grow in confidence and pushed me to get to where I am now.

“I’m part of the Mechanical and Electrical team at Spencer Group and my role involves both office and site-based roles. At the moment I’m working from drawings to quantify materials and pricing, produce quotes and go to suppliers to source the right products that also offer best value for money.

“I love my job and I want to work my way up within the business, gaining as many qualifications as I can.”

Ethan Russell left Ron Dearing UTC last year to begin a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship at laser manufacturer Luxinar.

 

Ethan Russell, 18, left Ron Dearing UTC last year to begin a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship at Hessle-based industrial laser manufacturer Luxinar, a Major Partner of the UTC.

Ethan said: “Being a Luxinar apprentice is helping me learn more about the industry and it’s a really good company to work for. Gaining engineering and manufacturing theory and experience at Ron Dearing UTC has stood me in good stead for this role.”

Yvonne Moir, HR Director at Spencer Group, said apprenticeships and the pipeline of talent from Ron Dearing UTC were vital to the business.

She said: “The standard of students the UTC produces is exceptional. This is evidenced not only by their technical and academic skills, but by their level of maturity, willingness to learn, positive attitudes and work readiness. These attributes make them perfect candidates for the Spencer Group’s talent stream.

“The fact we have recruited 28 of our apprentices from the UTC since 2019, 14 of whom have already become permanent employees, is testament to the UTC’s success. A further 19 students are also about to attend the final stage of this year’s recruitment process for our 2022 intake of apprentices.”

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

The school’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, Reckitt, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group.

It is also supported by Hull City Council and many other industry partners, including Arco, C4DI, Fujitsu, Green Port Hull, Heald, Ideal Boilers, INEOS Acetyls, Kohler Mira, Luxinar, NEC Software Solutions, Ørsted, Sauce, Sewell Group, Sonoco Trident and more.

Details of the Ron Dearing UTC performance for apprenticeship destinations compared to other schools and colleges in England can be seen via this link: All schools and colleges in England – GOV.UK – Find and compare schools in England (compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk)

Ron Dearing UTC students given golden chance of success with new gym partnership

Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has teamed up with a Hull fitness centre for a unique partnership to further improve its students’ wellbeing and life prospects.

Hull’s employer-led school has partnered with the Fit24 gym, run by businessman Jack Burton and Olympic boxing gold medalist Luke Campbell, to educate students about all aspects of health and fitness.

Every Key Stage 4 student at the Ofsted “Outstanding”-rated school now has free access to the gym for a timetabled one hour a week.

They are able to use all the facilities at the gym on Prospect Street, Hull city centre, just a short walk from the school on Kingston Square, and are learning about nutrition and different forms of exercise.

The new partnership is also educating the students about discipline, dedication and routine to improve their employability.

From left, Ron Dearing UTC’s Deputy Head of Creative Digital, Kate Blowman, Hull sporting icon Luke Campbell, Sarah Pashley, Principal at Ron Dearing, and Jack Burton, founder and owner of Fit24.

 

Jack, who launched the Fit24 gym, and Luke, who became a household name when he won bantamweight gold at the 2012 Olympics in London, launched the partnership with a talk to the Year 10 students at the school.

Following the showing of a brief film about how ‘Cool Hand’ Luke overcame adversity in his glittering boxing career, the school’s Deputy Head of Creative Digital, Kate Blowman, held a Q&A session with the two business partners.

Students also asked questions of their own as Jack and Luke gave them advice on how to follow their dreams and be successful in life.

Luke, who was appointed MBE for services to boxing following his Olympics success and went on to have a highly successful professional career, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have teamed up with Ron Dearing UTC as it’s a partnership that makes perfect sense.

“We love what the school stands for and what it’s doing for its students. All the teachers really care about them and go above and beyond to give them the best possible chance of success, and we want to help with that.

“We’re helping educate them about all aspects of physical and mental health. These will be invaluable lessons to them now and in later life as they pursue their ambitions.”

Jack launched the Fit24 business, which includes a centre on Hessle Road, west Hull, and recently brought Luke on board as his partner at the Prospect Street gym. Both gyms are open 24-hours-a-day.

Jack Burton and Luke Campbell taking part in a Q&A with Ron Dearing UTC Deputy Head of Creative Digital Kate Blowman to launch the school’s new partnership with Fit24.

 

He said: “It was fantastic to launch this exciting new partnership by going into the school and talking to the students.

“We told them that hard work and dedication are the keys to success, along with working alongside fantastic people, and that’s what they have at Ron Dearing.

“Everyone at the school has the same focus to improve the students’ chances of achieving their dreams, whatever they may be, and we’re proud we’ll now be playing our part too.”

Fit24 has become a Major Partner of the school and Principal Sarah Pashley said it was an important development in Ron Dearing UTC’s drive to improve the prospects of each and every one of its students.

She said: “This new partnership with Fit24 will be a huge benefit to our students.

“Along with the obvious physical and mental health benefits of being able to use all the facilities and resources available at the gym, it will also further reinforce the values we instil in them around working hard to become the best they can be.

“These are important life lessons and will also be crucial when it comes to launching exciting careers in their chosen areas.”

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 digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering.

The school’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, RB, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group.

It is also supported by Hull City Council and many other industry partners, including Arco, C4DI, Fujitsu, Green Port Hull, Ideal Boilers, INEOS Acetyls, Kohler Mira, Luxinar, NEC Software Solutions, Ørsted, Sauce, Sewell Group and Sonoco Trident.

Three more leading businesses partner with Ron Dearing UTC to open up exciting opportunities for students

Three more leading businesses have teamed up with Ron Dearing UTC to open up further exciting opportunities for students and help shape their potential future employees.

Graphics and signage experts Designs Signage Solutions and specialist pipework fabricators and steelwork erectors CDS Energy Services have become Major Partners, while overhead line, underground cable and substation system leaders LSTC Group has become a Partner.

Working alongside the school’s Founding Partners, the Ofsted Outstanding-rated school’s Major Partners and Partners develop and deliver employer-led projects, provide work experience placements and lead the careers information, advice and guidance programme.

Major Partners also play a key role in the development of the UTC’s unique, employer-engaged curriculum, while both Partners and Major Partners contribute financially to the school and recruit many students as apprentices within their businesses.

Established almost 30 years ago, Hull-based Designs Signage Solutions has grown to a 41-strong team operating from 48,000sq ft premises, offering bespoke briefs, designs and installation signage solutions to retail, corporate, sports stadia, vehicle livery and building sectors across the UK.

From left, Richard Shipley, Finance Director at LSTC Group, Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal and Head of Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, Chris Murphy, Drawing Manager at Designs Signage Solutions, and Danny Laybourne, Managing Director of CDS Energy Solutions.

 

Drawing Manager Chris Murphy said becoming a Ron Dearing UTC Major Partner will help to establish a new pipeline of talent in the industry and the company has already employed one former Ron Dearing UTC student, Ben Moodie, as a trainee in the Graphics Production department.

He said: “We want to engage with young talent and this partnership gives us a platform to work with the students, identify rising stars before they leave school and show them our industry and what we’re about.

“Ron Dearing UTC acclimatises its students to a full working week, rather than a normal school day, to help them get ready for work. By working together and playing a part in the curriculum, we’ll be able to help to shape what we want to see in our future employees.”

CDS, which has its head office at Burma Drive in east Hull, works in the oil, gas, petrochemical and nuclear industries. The business has 30 staff and dozens of additional subcontractors, with clients including Tricoya, Vivergo Fuels, px Group, Mitsubishi and more.

Managing Director Danny Laybourne said the business plans to take on Ron Dearing UTC students as apprentices in the future, potentially including in Planning and Quality Assurance (QA) roles.

He said: “There’s a lack of young people coming through in this industry and we can see that shortage of quality continuing, which is why we wanted to get involved in Ron Dearing UTC.

“With Ron Dearing students, we won’t have to start from scratch because they will have completed courses which stand them in good stead to progress within the industry.”

New Partner LSTC Group provides engineering solutions to the electricity sector, specialising in the design and survey of overhead lines, underground cables and substation systems in the UK and internationally. Alongside it’s Driffield head office, the company also has offices in Belfast, Derby, London and South Wales.

From left, Danny Laybourne, Managing Director of CDS Energy Solutions, Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal and Head of Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, Richard Shipley, Finance Director at LSTC Group, and Chris Murphy, Drawing Manager at Designs Signage Solutions.

 

Finance Director Richard Shipley said the company is keen to increase his 85‐strong workforce to 100 within the next two years, including more women in engineering, and plans to offer opportunities for work experience, apprenticeships and paid employment to Ron Dearing UTC students.

He said: “I believe that in order to fulfil all of the ambitious plans to achieve carbon net zero and clean energy, it will require a lot of work on infrastructure across the country and globally. There are not enough engineers in the world to do that work and the only solution is to bring more people into engineering.

“We want to be part of encouraging people to come into this industry and Ron Dearing UTC is doing a great job of facilitating that.”

Every one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Year 13 students have gone on to exciting apprenticeships, university, employment, further education or the Armed Forces for three consecutive years.

Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal and Head of Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Designs Signage Solutions and CDS Energy Services as Major Partners and LSTC Group as a Partner.

“Their decades of combined experience will be invaluable to our students and open up further career opportunities in these growing industries.”

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 digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering.

The school’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, Reckitt, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group.

It is also supported by Hull City Council and many other industry partners, including Arco, C4DI, Fujitsu, Green Port Hull, Ideal Boilers, INEOS Acetyls, Kohler Mira, Luxinar, NEC Software Solutions, Ørsted, Sauce, Sewell Group and Sonoco Trident.

Students work with Mexican artist to create climate change mural

Fine art and photography students at Ron Dearing UTC have completed a colourful mural to raise awareness of climate change.

Nine Year 11 students worked with Mexican mural artist Gustavo Chavez Pavon to show the impact climate change and flooding could have on Hull in the future as part of the Shorelines Project.

Gustavo, who works across the world, recently created a mural at Scottish Opera’s production studios in Glasgow during the global United Nations (UN) climate change conference COP26.

He said: “This is a very good example of hands-on learning and the students have brought their individual styles to the mural. I’ve really enjoyed working with them and everyone involved.”

The Shorelines Project was created by Rights : Community : Action, a coalition of campaigners, lawyers, planners, facilitators, writers and scientists with a shared commitment to tackling the climate emergency.

Ron Dearing UTC students working on the mural.

 

The group is working in partnership with Drunk Animal Creative Studio in Hull, linking action to art through a series of large scale murals across the city.

The mural, which also involved Friends of the Earth and local artists, now needs a home and the team behind the project are looking for a prominent public space in Hull to display the piece.

Jonny Winn, Project Manager at Drunk Animal Creative Studio, said: “Our generation and generations before haven’t done enough to tackle climate change and these students are the future.

“They are very passionate about climate change and that comes through in the mural, which shows the tidal barrier breaking, butterflies, bees and flooding. We’re now looking for somewhere to display it for all to see.”

Rights : Community : Action Chief Executive Naomi Luhde-Thompson said: “I’m blown away by the mural. It’s so powerful and the students have put so much work into it. It shows a lot of hope and energy and it’s really positive. It’s their future and their voice, which is what’s important.”

Year 11 students Samuel Fewlass and Emma Giblin.

 

Lynn Garland-Collins, Creative Director at Ron Dearing UTC, praised the students for their enthusiasm and creativity.

She said: “I’m extremely proud of our students and over moon with what they have achieved.

“Art is a visual language and it’s fantastic to see their ideas come together. This has been a truly unique experience and it’s wonderful for them to work with Gustavo.”

Student Samuel Fewlass, 15, said: “Creating the mural was fun and a new experience. I’m proud to be part of it and I think we’ve got the climate change message across.”

Fellow student Emma Giblin, 15, said: “I’ve never done anything like this before and it’s great to be able to share our artwork and see what other people think.”

Talent-scouted student Harry signs for Hull KR Under 16s

A Ron Dearing UTC student has been signed by Hull Kingston Rovers to pursue his rugby passion in the club’s Under 16s team.

Harry Wilson, 15, has been offered a scholarship by the Robins after he was spotted by a talent scout during a match for his current club, West Hull Under 16s.

The Year 11 student currently plays in the number 9 Hooker position and hopes to take up a similar position when he starts his new sporting venture in the east of the city this month.

Harry, who has played rugby since the age of nine, said: “I’m really happy I’ve been approached and offered this chance. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it has given me a confidence boost and my family and friends are so excited.

“A talent scout saw me in action and said they wanted a defensive Hooker who isn’t scared to get stuck in, which is great.

Harry Wilson is delighted to have signed for Hull KR.

 

“It’s really important to have an education as well as playing rugby, which is why I wanted to come to Ron Dearing UTC. You need skills and knowledge under your belt and you can’t just be good at rugby.

“I’m really interested in Engineering and I’d like to stay on in Ron Dearing’s sixth form, learning alongside my rugby scholarship. I can’t wait to get started.”

Harry, who said he will also continue playing for West Hull in the short term, will train with the Under 16s on the 4G pitch at The Marvell College in east Hull each week, as well as training in the gym at the Hull College Craven Park Stadium, the home of Hull KR.

He will follow a healthy diet and learn the importance of nutrition and exercise as part of his scholarship, setting him up for a positive start in rugby league.

Harry said: “You have to share what we eat and you’re rewarded for looking after yourself and eating properly. We’ll be playing against strong teams and it’s important to look after your health.”

Harry Wilson can’t wait to start his rugby scholarship.

 

Steve Willacy, Head of School at Ron Dearing UTC, said Harry has a bright future ahead of him.

He said: “We’re incredibly proud of Harry for securing this scholarship and it will be a great opportunity for him to pursue a sport he’s really passionate about.

“Sport promotes great physical and mental health and we encourage our students to embrace opportunities such as this to broaden their horizons in addition to their school lives.

“Harry is very committed to his schoolwork and we have no doubt he will excel in rugby too. We wish him all the very best.”