A large number of Energy Coast UTC students took part in the prestigious Duke of York Award for Technical Education, and on Monday 16th September, a group of 7 students, along with Pauline Farrell (Employer Engagement Officer) and Cherry Tingle (Principal), travelled to St James’ Palace, London to attend the annual awards ceremony.
The Award acknowledges the success of young people choosing technical education and encourages wider support from parents, businesses and other stakeholders. Open exclusively to students at University Technical Colleges, the Award recognises a combination of qualifications, work experience placements and the development of wider competencies required in the workplace such as communication skills and problem solving.
The Award has three levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold, with UTC students completing the prestigious Gold Award, which is based on A levels and/or Level 3 technical qualifications.
Speaking at the ceremony, HRH The Duke of York said of the Award: “In the 21st century we are going to need skilled, educated people – you will have that skill and mental acuity to succeed in more than you would ever imagine. Congratulations on what you have achieved, good luck and enjoy your time left in education.”
The students who attended the ceremony at the Palace were – Ellie Holmes, Luke McCallig, Jordan McLellan, Jack Robinson, Georgia Taylor, John Wilson and Jamie Wond. The students thoroughly enjoyed the day, with many commenting how proud they were that their hard work had been recognised. The students were so impressive that they were even asked to return to the programme next year as ambassadors to talk about their own experiences.
The UTC would also like to thank Kathryn Jackson, its fantastic Enterprise Advisor, for her tireless work interviewing almost all of the numerous Duke of York candidates this year.
