New industry partner for UTC Portsmouth

A global air traffic control business is the latest company to team up with University Technical College (UTC) Portsmouth.

NATS is a leading air navigation services specialist that handled 2.4 million flights and 250 million passengers in UK airspace in 2015.

The Whiteley based company will support the Portsmouth UTC, a government-funded school that offers 14-19 year olds (years 10-13) the opportunity to specialise in technical education alongside general education.

Led by University of Portsmouth, the Royal Navy and Portsmouth City Council, the UTC will open in September 2017. It will specialise in electrical and mechanical engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

University of Portsmouth Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) Professor Paul Hayes said: “It is excellent news that NATS is on board as one of the industry sponsors because the school is all about focusing on students learning through the development and delivery of projects that are directly relevant to the needs of industry.

“Another key employer partner will strengthen further the exciting curriculum being developed for this new type of school.”

An artist impression of a workspace area at the new University Technical College

UTC Portsmouth aims to increase the number of young people with the skills to become future engineers. The project has significant support from the Salterns Academy Trust, BAE Systems, QinetiQ, Land Rover BAR, and Young Engineers.

David Hawken, Engineering Director, NATS, said: “We’re delighted to support the new University Technical College in this exciting new development. Engineering covers a wide scope and plays a key part in the air traffic management industry, so we want to further encourage engineering studies.”

David Williams, Chief Executive of Portsmouth City Council, said: “UTC Portsmouth will provide exciting opportunities for young people from across the region. Working with industry partners such as NATS and other employers and partners the school offers a unique opportunity for young people interested in an engineering based career.”

Captain Andrew Cree, Royal Navy and project champion for UTC Portsmouth, said: “Our industry partners are an integral part of UTC Portsmouth. They’re working with us to develop the curriculum and development opportunities for students so they have the qualifications and skills employers are looking for.”

Admissions for Year 10 and Year 12 students open in September 2016. Visit the website http://www.utcportsmouth.org/ for more information.

UTC Portsmouth will be co-located on the current Trafalgar School site in Hilsea.

There are currently 39 UTCs across the country and by 2016, more than 55 will be in operation. They teach technical and scientific subjects in a new way and aim to educate the inventors, engineers, scientists and technicians of tomorrow.