This coming year we celebrate 10 years of UTC Colleges. Aylesbury UTC is proud to be part of this unique education group. Our Alumni destinations are the success of a UTC education. Follow three 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 has been studying on our Computing pathway at Aylesbury UTC since year 10 and has just completed year 13.
Ben says:
“I have completed 4 years of study in the Computing course, which comprises of IT, Computer Science and Creative Digital Media Production. It includes a wide range of areas that provide solid understanding and background to get into industry, either through full-time employment or an apprenticeship. University-based pathways are also encouraged, with a few students choosing to go down that route this year. “
As well as achieving very strong qualifications, with achieving two level 3 distinction grades and a predicted distinction star in Media, Ben has contributed to the school through his tireless work on the marketing team, being an ambassador, completing work experience here and taking on IT technician duties whenever he can.
Importance of Next Steps meetings
This first came about after Ben’s Next Steps meeting with the Careers Lead and Principal. All students are invited to attend these to discuss their plans for the future and receive support in choosing what is right for them.
IT Technician Apprenticeship Programme
We have been so impressed that our Principal, Nick Lamb, supported the opportunity to approach our Trust, the Merchant Taylors’ Oxfordshire Academy Trust, who has set up an IT Technician Apprenticeship Programme and Ben will be our first enrolment.
Nick says:
“In short, Ben is simply too good for us to lose and we have every confidence that he will play a major role in the success of students at Bucks UTC and our Trust in the future.”
Read more here
Natalia was an inspiring web developer in Sixth Form at Aylesbury UTC. In addition to her studies, Natalia has been on a 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.
