We recently celebrated ten years of University Technical Colleges (UTCs). Aylesbury UTC is proud to be part of this unique education group. Our Alumni destinations are the success of a UTC education. Follow some of our UTC alumni, and their employers, as they reflect on their experience going to a UTC and how it prepared them for their current careers.
Our aim at Aylesbury UTC is to send young people into the world able and qualified to play their full part in it. The destinations of our young people are one way to check if we are successful in our efforts. Often we say goodbye to our Year 11 or 13 students knowing that they will go on to make a difference through
However, this year we have been far more selfish!
Ben Ward studied on our Computing specialism (now known as Digital) for 4 years, after joining Year 10 in 2018. He had interests in various aspects of IT and made this clear to us during the Next Steps meeting with the Careers Lead and Principal. All students are invited to attend these to discuss their future career plans and receive support in choosing what is right for them.
Merchant Taylors’ Oxfordshire Academy Trust, alongside the training provider, Yeovil College, were delighted to set up the Level 3 Information Communications Technician apprenticeship for Ben. He started this position in August 2022, following an extended work experience at the UTC.
During this time, Ben completed one day per week learning remotely. He was based at the UTC as the sole technician, communicating remotely and in-person with IT colleagues based at Wallingford School. This work included an overhaul to our CCTV, access control, curriculum software, hardware deployment, revamped IT suite layouts, procurement projects and more general support projects.
The apprenticeship consists of 20% off-job learning per week. It concludes with an end-point assessment, consisting of a work-based project, project questions and a 1 hour professional discussion.
Ben says:
I have really enjoyed my time working at the UTC and intend to continue, fully qualified. The favourite part of my day-to-day is supporting, laughing and getting to know our students. This helps me tailor my support to them and learn how we can improve our systems. The supportive colleagues I work with at the UTC and Wallingford School have helped greatly
A huge thanks to Nick Lamb, John Marston and Petra Rushton for working hard to develop the apprenticeship in a short timeframe. It has also been fantastic working with Joe Dunckley (Principal) since September, exploring new ideas to move the UTC’s Digital and IT elements forward”
Natalia was an inspiring web developer in Sixth Form at Aylesbury UTC. In addition to her studies, Natalia has been on work placements. Not many leave school saying they already have a whole year of work experience in web development
Charlotte was a year 11 Computing student. She secured a placement with a digital Marekting Agency based in Beaconsfield. Having an interest in web design. Charlotte was keen to develop and test her skills. She was set the task of working with the development team to design and build the “Fair 4 All” website for a local charity, Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDS).
Using Adobe Photoshop, Charlotte designed concepts for the homepage and inner pages of the website. She then assisted in building the site on a WordPress platform. Gaining valuable work ready skills and insights into the practical side of developing a website. Having this work experience in a marketing agency will make her stand our when looking at her future employment opportunities.
Walking into Aylesbury UTC for the first time, I was greeted at the door with a smile, and that warmth never left. From day one to results day nearly two years later, I was surrounded by a support network that genuinely cared. Whether it was teachers checking in on my wellbeing or celebrating my achievements, I always felt seen and encouraged.
The Monday work placements were a game-changer. They gave me a real feel for the working world and helped me build the skills I now use every day in my job. Learning while earning full-time is intense, but the UTC prepared me for it. The course structure closely mirrored university life, and I learned how to manage my time, balance priorities, and stay focused.
At Aylesbury UTC I received more than just academic preparation. I had the chance to work with the Merchant Taylors’ Company, attending like the Doctors’ Dinner, the Digital Wellbeing Conference and competitions like the Livery Academy Awards, which helped hone my project management and public speaking skills. I also took on quite a few summer work placements, and the teachers were always genuinely interested and supportive of my endeavours outside school.
As Head Student, I spoke at open days and represented the college at key events. That experience helped me grow in confidence and leadership, and I can see the impact now in the workplace. The opportunities designed to build confidence at UTC didn’t just help me stand out at school, they’re helping me stand out professionally.
Looking back, I realise I learned so much more than just the curriculum. I was challenged, supported, and inspired, and it shaped me into the person that I am today.
If I could give one piece of advice to every UTC student, it would be this: never dim your light. Working hard is a strength, and the satisfaction that comes with it is so worth it. If you put the effort in, you’ll be supported every step of the way. Aylesbury UTC will always hold a special place in my heart and I’ll carry the lessons and memories with me wherever I go.
