Pupils raring to join a school specialising in building and engineering got stuck in to activities to give them an idea of what life will be like at Medway UTC.

The University Technology College will be the second in Kent and offers 14 to 19-year-olds the opportunity to get practical work and training within those sectors, alongside mainstream GCSE and A-levels.

The college is still being built so principal Dr Karon Buck held an event for students who have signed up for the 2015/16 academic year to get an idea of what to expect.

Dr Buck said: “This is a good chance for the youngsters to meet each other and our partners, who they will be working with closely over the coming years.

“We’ve bridge building going on where people can use their maths, wind turbine making and a little robotic man that all the kids are loving. We’ve got all sorts of challenges, so something for everyone interesting in engineering and construction.”

Watch: The Hands On Festival for Medway's UTC

The partners include BAE Systems, BAM Construction and the University of Greenwich, which hosted the day at the Medway campus.

David Sansom, another partner from Rapid Education, said: “There’s a shortage of engineers at the moment and having more people that are involved in engineering, learning robotics and computer aided design and manufacturing is brilliant, because we’re just going to run out of engineers otherwise.”

Among the challenges was for people to create a wind turbine and despite a number of small groups giving it a go, everybody came up with different designs. It is this creative thinking and imagination the UTC is trying to encourage. They were also given budgets and prices for all the materials used, to learn about cost control.

Jared, 13, said: “Engineering is my favourite subject so I’m really looking forward to starting at the UTC. The bridge building was the hardest thing. You had to use maths to work out the height and width of the bridge.”

Several key appointments have just been announced for the UTC, including Kieron Walsh as vice-principal.

A former head of science, he said: "“I am very excited about starting at Medway UTC.

“I want to develop an engaging and relevant curriculum that provides the opportunities and challenges to develop the engineering and construction professionals of the future.”
He said:

Susan Quye, will be assistant principal at the school which is open to 14 to 19-year-olds.

A teacher for almost 20 years, she said: “I believe the links between academia and industries are critical to developing independent and successful young people. I am genuinely thrilled to be part of this innovative model of education.”

Visit www.medwayutc.co.uk