July 16, 2015 10.57 am This story is over 103 months old

Lincoln UTC marks first milestone at student awards

End of year celebration: The pioneering Lincoln University Technical College (UTC) marked its first full year of industry-led study by awarding its outstanding students.

The pioneering Lincoln University Technical College (UTC) marked its first full year of industry-led study, and a milestone transition, with a celebration evening that brought together leaders, partners and honoured guests.

To wrap up the college’s first year, and begin the long-awaited move to a new campus, a Formal Student Awards ceremony on Wednesday, July 15 at the Bailgate Assembly Rooms congratulated students for their hard work and achievements so far.

The 31 awards ranged from Engineer of the Year to the Industry Placement Award and the Student of the Year Award, as voted for by students.

The college’s first cohort embarked on their studies at the college for science and engineering in September 2014, which is one of only 13 UTCs opening in the country that year.

More than 150 pupils aged between 14 and 18 have been studying at the college this year, and by the time the institution moved from its temporary home at Chad Varah House and begins growing roots at its new home in the former Greestone Centre, the total number of pupils will have grown to 350.

The first year for the UTC has seen Key Stage 4 and 5 students complete work experience placements and opportunities with industry partners including Siemens and the University of Lincoln.

All students also had full placement days with the Royal Air Force and had special guidance from a range of engineering and science businesses in day-to-day assignments.

In the background, work has been ongoing to redesign the college’s new campus in the former Greestone Centre on Lindum Hill in Lincoln.

The £7.5 million redevelopment has been kitted out with the latest state-of-the-art equipment in both the Grade 2 listed building and a brand new extension.

UTC partners and special sponsors presented awards at the ceremony. Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Lincoln College Group Gary Headland thanked staff, students and partners for their hard work.

He said: “The connection the college has with industry is so important, and it amazes me how such a small group of individuals can make such a difference in the city and county.”

Lincoln UTC Principal Dr Rona Mackenzie said: “The evening was wonderful. I think it just goes shows how much hard work has gone into this year and now to celebrate with the students, their parents and the staff and business partners is really special.

“We are all ready to move. Chad Varah is packed, the students leave Friday night and on Monday morning the movers come in to take us away and bring us to our new beautiful building.

“It has been hard at times because when you open a new school there is so much to do, but with out the support we’ve had we would never have been able to do it. Us and all our business partners are all pieces of a jigsaw and we make a brilliant picture.”