The Arrival at Medway UTC. Left to right: Dr Karon Buck, Principal; Mr Neil Davies, CEO Medway Council; Mr Barry Kemp, Mayor of Medway; The Duke of York and Lord-Lieutenant sharing a joke. (c) Adam Knott.
HRH the Duke of York visited Medway on 1st March 2016 to open the new Medway UTC. The brand new building was completed in less than one year and the first students arrived in September 2015.
The Baker-Dearing Trust set up the model of UTCs of which there are now 40 across England and Wales. Students enlist from the age of 14 years of age and are taught practical skills, as well as continuing with appropriate academic subjects up to GCSE. Medway UTC specialises in Engineering, Construction and Design, and the courses include work placements. When students leave they are “work ready” but many take further courses in their chosen career path.
The Duke of York with Head Boy, Ryan Robin, and Head Girl, Rebecca Driver during his tour. (c) Adam Knott.
The following companies and organisations are responsible for contributing to the success of Medway UTC – BAE Systems, Delphi Diesel Systems, BAM Construction, Bouygues Construction, Gainwell Futures, Kreston Reeves, Royal School of Military Engineering, University of Greenwich, Mid-Kent College, ECITB (Engineering Construction Industry Training Board), FSB (Federation of Small Businesses), and Medway Council. The academic governance is provided by Greenwich University, which also has a Medway Campus.
The Design Computing Suite. Standing from left to right: Professor David Maguire, Vice Chancellor of Greenwich University; Head Girl, Rebecca Driver; Head Boy, Ryan Robin; Lord-Lieutenant; The Duke of York and Dr Karon Buck, Principal. (c) Adam Knott.
The Duke of York was guided round the College by the Principal Dr Karon Buck, the Head Boy Ryan Robin and Head Girl Rebecca Driver. A briefing by the Governors, Teachers and Lord Baker of Dorking took place over lunch. The Duke performed the opening ceremony by unveiling a plaque.
