Dear members of the UTC Portsmouth community,
It is a pleasure to be writing to you, firstly in my new capacity as Principal and secondly, following one of our most important weeks in the academic year; Progression Week. I am sure that you will, by now have realised how UTC Portsmouth does things differently to other educational establishments, with our students having regular interactions with employer partners in lessons, “Training” and additional activities.
A hallmark of the college for me, alongside the excellent quality of lessons, are the outstanding destination stories. Each and every year 13 leaver went on to either university, training or work. As I look at our current Year 13s, it is clear that they are informed about their next steps and gearing up to move on (once exams are out of the way)! Amongst our first students to complete their studies at UTC Portsmouth and move on to start an amazing career was Charlotte, who is currently a space and defence apprentice with Airbus. When asked about her time with us, Charlotte said; “I enjoyed my time at UTC Portsmouth because of what I was able to learn so much through my course. The staff were excellent with supporting learning, as well as any other issues. I gained new skills I wouldn't have otherwise known going to a different college, like networking with important companies and employers as well as universities to advance my career, as well as honing in on key skills like responsibility that employers look for the most.”
A fantastic part of Progression Week this year was being able to welcome back ex-UTC Portsmouth students Kain, who is now a Level 6 Software Development Apprentice at DSTL. He was able to share his work with current students via some VR goggles and inspire many to consider a career in this area.
One of the main ways that we help to prepare students for the world of work is through Progression week. Primarily focussed on Years 10 and 12 each year, Progression week sees our students having mock interviews with employer partners, receiving feedback and attending our careers fair. What stands out for me the most is the links that the students form with potential employers on the back of the interviews.
Over the course of progression week, industry and employment in the area was heavily represented, and my thanks go out to the following partners and companies for their continued support during the week:
Airbus
Apollo Motor Group
Astute
BAE Systems
DSTL
IBM
ICEE
Lockheed Martin
Naomi House Hospice
NATS
Pall Europe
QinetiQ
Solent University
Southern University Network
Tecsew
The Royal Navy
Trac Finance
University of Portsmouth
However, the true measure of success here is in the views of our students. Students had carefully prepared their CVs in advance of the interviews, but there were a few nervous faces going into what, for all of us, can be a daunting experience! What was particularly indicative for me of the resilience of our students was the cascade of smiles upon leaving the interviews. A number of comments really stood out for me:
“It was extremely beneficial to me as it helps me practice my skills for real, future interviews.” Daniel
“Fantastic. [The interviewer] gave me lots of great advice on my CV and my interview skills. I think the whole experience has ben very helpful.” Owen
“The mock interview went very well. It gave me a better understanding of the path I need to take in order to become an aircraft engineer.” Jedidiah
All students gave an excellent account of themselves and demonstrated their communication skills, but a particular mention to our award winners, selected for an “excellent” or an “outstanding” interview:
Jake B, Freddy H, Jack B, Seth A, Annaliesa B, Liam B, Leon M, Tahlia B, Zack B, Callum W, Dylan H, Jamie H-L, Syler S, Bethany T, Daniel H, James C, George A, Jack H, Jack G, Honey H, Mariya S, Chelsea L, Evelyn D, Joseph W, Kate C, Frances W, Samantha P, Sam B, Sophia B, Ronnie S, Augustine W, Kira F, Zimoch P, Kirsty P, Hollie K, Sam C, Fin L, Rosy R, Tyler C, Freddie W, Katie B, Mieszko P, Charlotte S, Yolanda E, Alex G, Jacob R, Joe D, Oliver G, Oscar A, Taya F, Jessica W, Archie C, Thea P-B, Jack B, Charlie C, Alfred M.
Years 10 and 11 will, of course, get a second shot of this when joining us for sixth form – plenty of time to add even more to those CVs!
As a close community, I am always interested to hear your viewpoints and listen to any questions you may have, so please do not hesitate to contact us at enquiries@utcportsmouth.org
Warmest regards,
James Doherty
