Teenagers inspired by healthcare workers saving lives are invited to apply to new academy at Derby’s University Technical College
East Midlands teenagers inspired by the healthcare workers and scientists saving lives in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic are being offered an exciting new careers pathway.
A new education and technical skills programme, backed by the region’s top healthcare employers, is opening at UTC Derby Pride Park, on Locomotive Way, this September.
Young people, and parents and carers, are invited to find out more by attending a virtual open event on Tuesday, July 7th from 5.00pm to 6.15pm.
Guests will hear from the NHS employers involved, learn about the variety of jobs that healthcare providers offer in the region and get details about the new specialism and qualifications. To book a place, please visit www.utcderby.org.uk/events.
UTC Derby Pride Park is a technical school for 13 to 19-year-olds that specialises in engineering and is launching a second specialism in health and life sciences from this September 2020.
The Derbyshire Health and Life Sciences Academy at the UTC will equip students with the skills they need to go into careers in health, life sciences, wellbeing and social care.
Backed by the University of Derby, the initiative is launching in partnership with Joined Up Care Derbyshire, which comprises health and social care employers in the region.
The employers include Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.
Nick Crew, Executive Principal, UTC Derby Pride Park, said: “The life saving roles that healthcare workers and scientists are playing in tackling the world’s biggest health crisis have captivated the nation. We are pleased to work with employers, and the University of Derby, to meet an urgent need for more highly skilled young people for the healthcare and life sciences professions in the East Midlands.”
He added: “UTC technical specialisms reflect growth areas of the local economy in the communities where they are based. In Derby, we will draw on the expertise that we have already gained from running a successful health sciences specialism for young people with employers in Sheffield.”
According to recent NHS statistics, job applications have jumped as the nation showed its support for healthcare workers with millions taking part in the clap for carers at the height of the pandemic.
Susan Spray, Programme Lead, Joined Up Careers Derbyshire, which supports the development of the workforce including recruitment and supply, introduction of new roles, and opportunities for optimisation and efficiency across the system, said: “It has been our pleasure to work with the UTC team in a collaborative and innovative way. We are delighted to see plans coming together for the launch of the new academy, providing a new approach, improving the reach and impact of recruitment and careers development activity across the health and social care sectors in Derby and Derbyshire.”
Dr Paula Holt, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dean of the College of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting this event. The range of health, care and science careers is incredibly diverse, offering exciting opportunities for rewarding careers that make a real and lasting impact on the lives of individuals as well as society as a whole. We would particularly like to see more boys considering a career in the healthcare sector and I would urge parents and carers to encourage their children to take up this opportunity, and see for themselves how they can begin that journey.”
University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are technical schools backed by employers that have been set up to train the next generation of young people in the skills that their regional economy needs. They usually focus on two technical specialisms.
Students learn from industry experts in specialist high tech facilities and complete GCSEs and A Levels as well as technical qualifications. Employers support the curriculum by setting industry projects and providing work experience and placements.
Young people can join UTC Derby Pride Park in Year 9 at the age of 13, in Year 10 at the age of 14 or in Year 12 at the age of 16. After completing their studies at the UTC, students will be able to progress to high quality apprenticeships and a wide range of degree opportunities at universities.
UTC Derby Pride Park is backed by some of world’s best-known companies including Bombardier, Rolls-Royce and Toyota, and the University of Derby and Derby College.
Derby’s UTC is part of The Sheffield UTC Academy Trust, which also runs two UTCs in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, that are both Ofsted graded ‘good’ and, together, offer five technical specialisms, including health sciences, backed by 70 employers.
Places are still available for this September. Apply now. Visit https://www.utcderby.org.uk/
