Derby's two MPs discussed local skills needs and employment opportunities for young people on a visit to UTC Derby Pride Park on Friday 8 November.

Catherine Atkinson MP and Baggy Shanker MP met with “amazing” students, as well as staff and employer partners at the University Technical College, which delivers a specialist health and engineering curriculum to 13- to 19-year-olds.

During a tour of the school, the two Labour MPs were impressed by the school’s state-of-the-art facilities, which includes a health suite and welding bays.

Students told the MPs during a roundtable how they had been attracted to the school by the equipment, which was “so much better than our previous school.”

Baggy Shanker MP, Catherine Atkinson MP, and Lee Kirkwood in UTC Derby Pride Park's engineering workshop.

placeholder image — Baggy Shanker MP, Catherine Atkinson MP, and Lee Kirkwood in UTC Derby Pride Park's engineering workshop.

Catherine Atkinson MP and Baggy Shanker MP were interested to hear how the UTC was meeting local skills needs and principal Lee Kirkwood outlined how the UTC students take part in projects led by employers.

For example, engineering students have been working on a sustainable vehicle project and health students are working on initiatives to help disabled people.

The UTC has also been working with the local NHS to offer engineering placements for students, helping meet the health service’s need for professionals in fields other than healthcare.

Students from UTC Derby Pride Park have also been exploring digital career opportunities as part of a national project that the NHS has been running with the UTC support body, the Baker Dearing Educational Trust.

Left to right: UTC Principal Lee Kirkwood, Catherine Atkinson MP, and Baggy Shanker MP.

Friday’s visit was supported by representatives from University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and Alstom – two of the UTC’s employer partners.

Kirkwood set out how the UTC is a “vehicle for social mobility” – none of its leavers have ended up as NEET (not in education, employment, or training).

Instead, 56 per cent of young people who leave the UTC at 18 progress onto an apprenticeship, while 100 per cent of those who progress onto university start a course in science, technology, engineering or maths.

Following the University Technical College being rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted for behaviour last December, Kirkwood also explained the school's innovative behavioural approach, which is based on what will be expected students when they progress to industry.

Catherine Atkinson MP and Baggy Shanker MP meeting UTC Derby Pride Park students.

Derby South MP Baggy Shanker said:

“I was delighted to visit University Technical College Derby in Pride Park. I started my own career as an apprentice at Celanese before going on to work for, one of Derby’s biggest employers, Rolls Royce, so I know the difference that cutting-edge equipment and an expert teaching and learning environment can make to a learner’s development. It was brilliant to hear how the UTC is bridging skills gaps by connecting schools and employers, as well as working closely with the University of Derby to help deliver the skills our city needs now, and in the future.”

Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson said:

"I regularly meet with Derby employers who say that a top priority for them is filling the skills gap we face in the East Midlands and nationally. It was therefore fantastic to see the University Technical College Derby proactively supporting the development of the skills our industries are in demand of while helping learners maximise the career opportunities available to them. Students told us about the excellent employer engagement activities that are the result of the close partnership between the UTC and local employers.”