Friday, September 11, 2015

NEW BARONESS PICTURED IN BRIGG


Baroness Redfern in Brigg town centre, when she was Councillor Liz, chatting to Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy, left, and Coun Neil Poole, of North Lincolnshire Council. They were involved in judging the best Christmas window displays at the time.

We wonder how many youngsters from the Brigg area signed up in the initial intake of students at the first University Technical College for the region, which opened in Scunthorpe on Monday, (September 7). 
We are told this is the first business-driven school of its kind in the region.
The North Lincolnshire Council commissioned project involves key regional businesses including the Royal Air Force, BAE Systems, Tata steelworks, Able UK and many others, plus the University of Hull and North Lindsey College, "to bring a different style of teaching and learning to the region."
Specialising in engineering and renewables, alongside other key subjects, the Humber UTC offers a different experience, with the emphasis being ‘hands-on’ learning, where students get to deal with real issues they would expect to find in the workplace.
North Lincolnshire Council commissioned local contractor Clugston to build the UTC. It took just over a year to build it and cost £9.5m.
In five years’ time, the UTC will house around 600 students. Around 145 will study at the UTC this year.
Andrew Downing Principal, Humber UTC, said: It is good to see young people engaging in a new model of education. Key employers will get involved by setting projects for students, using industry standard equipment they will find in the workplace. Employers will get to know students’ capabilities and strengths, which will stand them in good stead for their future careers. This new way of learning mixes core subjects such as maths and science with practical on-the-job learning so students get the best of both worlds – qualifications and work experience, and can see how the core subjects link into engineering and renewables.”
David Shepherd, Chairman of the Humber UTC Board, said: “Students are being given the opportunity of a lifetime in a fantastic learning environment to work with some of the region’s top businesses, who will be involved with students from day one and will continue to work with them to ensure they achieve their very best. It’s not every day you get this kind of opportunity. It is a new way of learning that is putting students in direct contact with employers. They are getting all the help they need from the experts. For these young people, their careers start today.”
Councillor Liz Redfern,*** Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The Humber UTC will help regenerate Scunthorpe and bring more people into the town centre. This is very exciting for everyone involved and will provide endless opportunities for students once they have completed their learning. We have some big employers in the field of engineering and renewables nearby who will be working with students, giving them a great opportunity to learn from the best. I am pleased that the council has delivered the UTC on schedule and in time for the opening by working closely with our partners Clugston. All partners involved in the project have worked tirelessly to ensure we give students a wonderful venue in which to learn.”
Lord Baker, Baker Dearing Educational Trust, said: “The Humber UTC is an excellent example of how a true partnership can work – bringing students and employers together to put them in prime position for future employment. It is not always about the academic side of learning, though this is important. It is also about giving students practical ‘hands-on’ experience, where they will get a real sense of ownership and be able to transfer these skills into the workplace. This is very attractive to employers who need highly skilled people working for them.”
Has the new UTC has attracted some students who might otherwise have signed up with Brigg's own Sixth Form College?

*** Belated congratulations from Brigg Blog to Liz  on being made a Baroness in the latest Honours List.  We are unsure when they will start using her new title but "Councillor Liz Redfern" continues to be used by North Lincolnshire Council, as indicated by the above news release.  She is an Isle of Axholme representative on the authority, as well as being its Leader. Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham is the Deputy Leader.

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