On 19th May 2014 Sir Charles Kao UTC alongside Harlow College welcomed the Prime Minister to the Harlow campus. Mr Cameron took a tour of the UTC and met Harlow College apprentices.
The Principal of Sir Charles Kao UTC, Michael McKeaveney, was accompanied by the UTC’s employer sponsors when welcoming the Prime Minister and Robert Halfon MP onto the SCK UTC building site to discuss their innovative curriculum and specialisms.
Throughout the tour the Prime Minister showed particular interest in the Smart Environments specialism and the building of ‘The Box.’ The PM also expressed his excitement about the UTC’s close links with sponsors and the fantastic impact this will have on students upon opening in September.
Representatives from Johnson Controls, GlaxoSmithKline, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and Pearson Education greeted the Prime Minister in the atrium. Mr Cameron then made his way through to a teaching space where, Jim Bluck and Selina Elmasry part of the BAM construction team explained the sustainable nature of the UTC’s building and how it embodies the specialisms on offer.
At the end of the Prime Minister’s two hour visit, Principal Mike McKeaveney spoke about the outstanding support Sir Charles Kao UTC has seen from parents and employers. The PM expressed his shared excitement towards the forthcoming project work as the UTC enters the final months before opening.
Upon leaving the campus the Prime Minister wished the UTC the best of luck and in his parting remark expressed his excitement about what University Technical Colleges offer. The UTC hopes to welcome David Cameron back to campus in the near future.
The Harlow Star reported the Prime Minister’s backing of the UTC. He said:
I’m very keen to support Robert and the work that he is doing locally, he has really pushed hard to get this University Technical College here. The building is going ahead and the UTC will open this September, I think it will be a major addition to Harlow’s educational landscape, and really positive for young people, parents, and local employers.
David Cameron also met with Harlow College Principal Karen Spencer, Governors and senior staff. He was given a guided tour of the Automotive Engineering department led by College Student Governor Nishall Garala.