Students from University Technical Colleges (UTCs) in England showcased their achievements in robotics and 3D printing at MACH 2024, leaving attendees impressed with their technical prowess.
Among the nearly 700 visitors who interacted with the UTC stand at MACH 2024 was Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology.
At the event, UTC Warrington T Level student Patrick Cummings presented the minister with a UTC-branded tote bag and keyring, the latter designed by students from UTC Derby Pride Park.
Organized by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which supports the network of 44 UTC secondary schools, the UTC stand featured various exhibits:
- A 3D printer programmed by UTC Derby Pride Park students to produce keyrings, one of which was presented to the minister.
- Robots built by students from WMG Academy for Young Engineers using LEGO.
- Concept car designs by students from UTC Oxfordshire, Liverpool Life Sciences UTC, and SGS Berkeley Green UTC, winners of a competition among UTCs.
- Prototypes including a chess board, plastic shredder, and manual handling equipment produced by Silverstone UTC.
The stand also attracted UTC alumni who have advanced to apprenticeships and careers with employers such as Rolls Royce, AWE, the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, and X-Cel Group.
Addressing delegates at MACH 2024, Donelan emphasized the importance of a skilled workforce, stating, “A skilled workforce is the foundation stone to everything in our economy.”
UTCs aim to meet the minister's goal of a skilled workforce for future industries by providing students with technical skills on industry-standard equipment such as CAD and CAM kits, alongside developing essential employability skills.
Students also had the opportunity to explore MACH 2024 and observe the innovative machinery exhibited by other participants, gaining inspiration and expanding their understanding of the manufacturing sector.
Simon Connell, Chief Executive of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, expressed satisfaction with the performance of UTC students at MACH 2024, noting visitors' enthusiasm for the employer-led technical education offered by UTCs.
Connell thanked the Manufacturing Technologies Association for their support in bringing Baker Dearing and UTCs to MACH, as well as the staff and students who contributed to the success of the stand.