Pioneers of the Next Generation

The Hull and Humber region will soon become an even larger hub of engineering talent thanks to the opening of the Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC). The mission of a UTC is to focus on technical skills for students aged 14-18, alongside core subjects such as English, maths and science. Built around a state-funded academy structure, the institution will actively combat the technical skills gap by giving students everything they require to excel in STEM subjects, with an equally strong emphasis on employability.

The region’s new UTC is named after the late Lord Ron Dearing (1930-2009). Born and educated in Hull, Dearing later became a senior civil servant and Chairman of the Post Office, and it was his Dearing Report of 1997 that helped to transform higher education, including the development of the UTC model.

Ron Dearing UTC will provide young minds with access to studies in Digital Engineering, which is highly relevant to the gas and oil sector, and Mechatronics, which combines mechanical and electrical engineering, also covering the disciplines of Control System Engineering and Computer Engineering. These two specialisms are key ingredients for tomorrow’s occupational environment, with the vast majority of technical roles benefitting from in-depth knowledge of their applications.

As an academy, the Ron Dearing UTC will be led by Hull University and various employers. Rather than handing out homework, a student’s working day will run from 8:30am until 5pm over a 40-week programme, with all assignments completed within an optimised learning environment. Guest lectures will be given by industry experts, complementing a comprehensive curriculum designed to give students the upper hand when it comes to entering the employment market. 

At OSL, we’re committed to helping budding engineers to achieve their maximum potential. We follow industry developments very closely, especially when based within Yorkshire and the Humber. The Ron Dearing UTC is an excellent addition to an already flourishing region of energy solutions and technical capability, and we plan to collaborate in any way we can with its students. 

Principal Director Alastair Robertson: “The key to OSL’s success is our commitment to find new talent. We attract, train and retain the very best minds, and we believe that the Ron Dearing UTC will be the newest source of engineers that will make a cleaner, safer future of energy for all.”

Ron Dearing UTC opens in September 2017 and will be located in Hull city centre. To register interest as a student or an employer, please visit www.rondearingutc.com.