Leon joined UTC Portsmouth from Year 10 and continued into Sixth Form studying A level Biology, Chemistry and Maths. He is now at the University of Birmingham studying medicine.
"Studying for four years at UTC Portsmouth has allowed me to develop many skills throughout my studies and has led me to secure a place to study medicine at University of Birmingham. I felt so supported by my teachers in every step of the way throughout the medicine application process and my A level studies. Being involved with employer partners during training projects has enabled me to strengthen my university application, which enabled me to stand out as a candidate, which is necessary for competitive courses such as medicine."
Thomas chose to study A level Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science. He is now at Sidney Sussex College Cambridge reading Engineering: "When I joined UTC Portsmouth, I wasn’t even considering Oxbridge as an option. Once I arrived, though, I found that being in an environment so focused on my areas of study resulted in an excellent quality of teaching in each subject, and by the beginning of my second year, I was confident enough in my understanding to make a Cambridge application. I can say for certain that without the help I received at UTC Portsmouth, I would not have the privilege of studying engineering at one of the best universities in the world."
Kiran continued her studies into Sixth Form after joining in Year 10 and studied: A level Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Studies. She is now an Undergraduate Engineer at the Dyson Institute studying an Engineering degree: “I enjoyed my time at UTC Portsmouth due to the teachers passion for the courses they taught. This made the process of learning the syllabus very interactive and fun. Participating in a range of training projects with employer partners gave me plenty of topics to write about on my CV, which allowed me to stand out as a candidate when applying for various apprenticeships and helped me receive so many offers.”
Freya joined us to study A level Biology, Chemistry and English Language & Literature, she is now reading English at St Edmund Hall Oxford: "The encouragement I received from UTC Portsmouth when I made the decision to apply to Oxford was incredible; I felt so supported throughout the entire application process and in my A-Level studies. Although UTC Portsmouth is renowned for its excellent education in the STEM subjects, the quality of teaching in the Humanities department is also exceptional. In fact, it was the experience I had studying English l at UTC Portsmouth that inspired me to pursue the subject at degree level. The dedication from staff to help me succeed was integral to me being where I am today, studying at the best university in the world."
Oliver studied the combined route with us and is now a Procurement Degree Apprentice with Balfour Beatty: “After studying A level maths for two years, with the ambition of becoming a structural engineer I decided that another three years of sitting in the back of a classroom wasn't for me. I opted for a career with Balfour Beatty, where I have had the opportunity for hands on learning, completing a relevant degree level qualification, whilst also gaining vital work experience.“To anyone considering starting their career as an apprentice - I would recommend they go for it! My one piece of advice is; you get out what you put in. I have recently been promoted after less than eighteen months, showing the opportunities available when you pair yourself with a good employer.”
Millie studied the Combined route with A level Biology, Maths, Physics and Computer Science with us. She successfully secured a Degree Apprenticeship in Nuclear Engineering upon completing her studies. "My choice of courses at UTC Portsmouth was clearly focused on maximising my options in the next stage of my life. The qualifications I achieved from UTC Portsmouth allowed me to stand out when applying for apprenticeships. UTC Portsmouth made me aware of the wide range of apprenticeships and careers that are available in the engineering industry. Apprenticeships provide you with the opportunity to work in the field you have a passion for while continuing to further your education, they are an ideal way to start your career as you build up relationships with people around you that have similar career ambitions.”
Ajay studied the Extended Diploma in Engineering with us leaving in 2019 for an Accelerated Apprenticeship with the Royal Navy. “After studying the extended diploma in Engineering I am now on the Accelerated Apprenticeship programme for marine engineering in the Royal Navy. I chose to apply for the accelerated apprenticeship as it allowed me to reach a higher level within the service sooner than I could have otherwise. After completing my sea phase of training I have learnt about my role on board as a Leading Engineering technician, basic management skills and general naval life. I also got to visit the Baltic Sea and the Pacific including Hawaii. I am currently on my LETs course learning about ships systems in more detail.”
Lucy studied A level Biology, Chemistry and Maths before heading to De Montfort University to study Forensic Science “My time at UTC Portsmouth was so valuable; not only did it fully support me in my academic studies but also allowed me to explore relationships with employer partners that allowed me to maximise my career options. I found the A levels I chose very engaging and felt that they were all connected together in some way, so what I was learning was useful in more than just one topic. Studying at UTC Portsmouth undoubtedly developed my STEM understanding far more than attending a regular Sixth Form and allowed me to successfully secure a place at university.”
Danny studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering with us and left to take up a BEng Mechanical Engineering Degree with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: “I very much enjoyed my time at UTC Portsmouth, mainly because of the various opportunities that were offered to me whilst I was there. Training sessions gave me the opportunity to work on different projects that I could talk about during interviews and assessments for employers, which definitely helped me secure the apprenticeship I am in today. Working on these projects also gave me valuable experience that continues to benefit me today due to the projects I have/will be doing during my time at Rolls-Royce.”
Joseph joined UTC Portsmouth in Year 10 then continued his studies with us into Sixth Form studying A level Maths, Physics and Computer Science. He is now a Software Degree Apprentice with BAE Systems: “UTC Portsmouth was able to offer me a wide range of opportunities through their employer partners. By taking advantage of these I've been able to become more responsible, creative and really take on board the STEM learning habits.”
Kate followed our combined pathway, studying A level Chemistry and Applied Science plus an extended certificate in Engineering. She is now a Computing & IT Degree Apprentice with BAE Systems. “After initially planning to go to university at the end of her two years at UTC Portsmouth, Kate decided to also look at degree apprenticeship options and was successful in securing a degree apprenticeship in Computing and IT with DSTL. During her time at college, she was able to enhance her CV by taking part in the Royal Navy Challenge and UTC Cyber Day as well as completing projects with DSTL and STS Defence.
“The Apprenticeship and Employment path was never one I thought I would take after college; University seemed like the only option for where I wanted my career to head. However, being able to meet and work with the Employer Partners at UTC Portsmouth gave me the insight I needed into alternative routes, and drove my ambition to find a role that was perfect for me. Not only am I still gaining extensive training and qualifications, but I’m now working in an exciting position, and building invaluable experience in the industry at a young age, which will undoubtedly help my progression through my career.”