Students reach for the skies

New Heathrow engineering college

A NEW aviation college has taken off with a roar.

Heathrow Aviation Engineering University Technical College (UTC) in Northwood, a specialist college for students aged 14 to 19 who are interested in aviation engineering, has marked the end of its first week.

The college, in Pinner Road, welcomed its first cohort of more than 100 students – all year 10 and year 12 – on Monday last week.

It will recruit 600 students during the next four years.

Principal Bryan Berry said: “It’s been a fantastic week. Our first students have already been engaging with our employer partners.

“They’ve spent time touring the facilities at RAF Northolt and British Airways’ component engineering facility in Hayes, and have been hearing about aerodynamics and aircraft structures at Brunel University, the UTC’s sponsor.

“Along with our new teaching team, they’re full of enthusiasm and are looking forward to an exciting first term.”

The college is one of 13 UTCs opening this month throughout the UK, offering students the opportunity of combining academic, technical and practical skills.

Students study for their GCSEs or A-levels alongside technical qualifications geared towards the UTC’s specialism; in this case, aviation engineering.