UTC Reading awarded Best Cadet Experience

UNIVERSITY Technical College (UTC) Reading has been given an award in recognition of its work with cadets.

UTCR scooped Best Cadet Experience from The Ulysses Trust at the recent Royal County of Berkshire Awards.

The event celebrates the work of volunteers, military reservists, and cadets from the Combined Cadet Force, Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, and Air Cadets.

It follows a sailing challenge held by UTC Reading which saw 10 students and two teachers circumnavigating the Isle of Wight in the Round the Island yacht race.

The Ulysses Trust said that the expedition stood out for its training and organisational requirements, including a training week which took place in March forming part of the months-long preparations.

The training included learning new skills and demonstrating physical robustness in sub-zero temperatures, wind, and snow.

Skills such as meal planning and food shopping as well as much-needed nautical training and team skills, through 12-hour days.

Student Rio Wilmott said: “The whole experience was once in a lifetime, and I can’t wait to buy my own boat and get back out there. I hope we can continue this next year.”

Neil Pouney, former Vice Principal at UTC Reading and now Head of School for UTC Swindon, was responsible for setting up the CCF at the school and collected the award.

“I’m very proud,” he said. “We knew when we entered this sailing challenge that the students would rise to the task admirably.

“They grew in confidence and had so much fun they had learning the ropes was great to witness. Ultimately is what we as teachers want to see.

“To have the expedition recognised by the Ulysses Trust as Best Cadet Experience is amazing, especially as it was up against some other fantastic projects – we’re very proud and happy.”