EDUCATION leaders from South Devon University Technical College were invited to give a presentation to parliament focussing on the future of innovation in the UK.
The team spoke to the Science, Innovation, and Technology Committee in Westminster, having been invited by Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley who sits on the committee.
UTC Headteacher Claire Plumb, Deputy CEO of Education South West Rob Coles, and UTC Head of Engineering Will Bent attended the event.
The session, which focused on future innovation and how the country can better support innovators, highlighted South Devon UTC’s cutting-edge approach to education.
Ms Plumb gave a presentation on how the school addresses local skills gaps by combining academic learning with practical, hands-on training.
She emphasised how this can be a ‘game-changer’ for students, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not traditionally thrive in academic settings.
The session also featured insights from teacher Will Bent who discussed the UTC’s engineering programme.
He highlighted successful career stories of students, including one who redesigned a crucial component for a power plant and another who now works on surgical equipment.
The examples demonstrated the importance of practical, industry-driven learning, as well as the career opportunities it can offer.
Committee members expressing strong support for the role of vocational education in preparing students for STEM careers.
Ms Plumb reinforced the UTC’s commitment to ensuring students leave not only with technical skills but also with employability skills, providing them with tools for industries crucial to the local economy.
Ms Plumb said: ‘We are incredibly proud of our work at South Devon UTC.
‘By working closely with local industries, we ensure
our students graduate with not only the technical expertise needed to succeed in today’s workforce but also the soft skills that are essential for career growth.
‘Our students are not just equipped for a job, they are prepared to thrive in their chosen industries.’