#thinkUTC week returns bigger and better for second year

The Baker Dearing Educational Trust has announced the second #thinkUTC week will take place between 17 and 21 November 2025.

#thinkUTC week will spotlight the University Technical Colleges (UTC) programme’s deepening collaboration with industry and education — including a new national partnership with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and the announcement of a new alumni board.

#thinkUTC week will feature a packed schedule of events and announcements

In a major development, Baker Dearing is launching its new UTC alumni board, composed of nine UTC leavers from across the country and different industrial sectors. This board will help create a unified community of former UTC students and help inform and improve the experience for current and future learners.

A national partnership between Baker Dearing and Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will also be launched. This builds on the civil engineering company’s existing engagement with UTCs and signals both organisations’ ambition for wider employer-education alignment.

Baker Dearing is also working with the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) on opportunities for UTC staff to take part in the ETF’s “Bridging the Gap” initiative — a scheme explicitly designed to develop understanding between education and industry and improve the delivery of T Levels, the gold standard technical qualifications.

Staff, students and employer partners at University Technical Colleges will have the opportunity to take part in #thinkUTC week. They are being encouraged to submit videos, photos, and case studies of what they think makes their UTC unique.

That could be a particular employer partner, equipment, facilities, teachers, buildings, proximity to employers – anything they want.

Last year, UTCs gave a tremendous response to the ‘think UTC, think…’ promotion, where students, staff, and employers were filmed saying what first came to mind when they thought of their UTC.

Why it matters

As the UK faces increasing demand for skilled technical talent, the UTC programme offers a distinctive model: combining rigorous academic and technical study, employer engagement from day one, and clear pathways into apprenticeships, higher education or employment.

Through our involvement with ETF’s national Bridging the Gap agenda and by partnering with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Baker Dearing seeks to amplify that model and influence the broader system — ensuring more young people access technical education linked to real employer demand.

Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Infrastructure Simon Smith commented:

“For over a decade, we have worked with UTCs to support young people in developing the skills and confidence to thrive in their future careers, while providing insight into civil engineering and the endless opportunities available.

“Our new partnership with the Baker Dearing Educational Trust will help to build on the strong foundations we have already created and develop a strong pipeline of future employees for the industry. We’re excited about what the future holds and the lasting impact it continues to bring to the communities in which we operate.”

Chair of the UTC Alumni Board Lucie Gresham-Hill commented:

“It is a real privilege to launch the board during this great celebration of the UTC programme.

“Our board will work for all UTC students and leavers to help them get the best experience from their education.

“It will also help unify our community of alumni, many of whom have gone on to excel in a wide range of industries. A broad and collaborative alumni community will demonstrate to stakeholders and the public the transformative impact of a UTC education, hopefully enabling more young people to benefit in the way our board members have.”

Chief Executive of Baker Dearing Kate Ambrosi commented:

“We are proud to launch the 2025 #thinkUTC week as a celebration of high-quality technical education rooted in employer partnership. I am especially looking forward to seeing how UTCs mark this celebration of all they do to help young people and industry.

“Our collaboration with the ETF’s Bridging the Gap initiative and partnership with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will help Baker Dearing better deliver the high-quality, industry-led opportunities for which our national programme of UTCs is renowned by families, employers, and government.

“This comes after an excellent 2024-25 academic year for UTCs. A third of UTCs are now rated ‘outstanding’ or have outstanding features, according to Ofsted, and 86 per cent are ‘good’ or better.

“We have also received a highly welcome exemption from the national curriculum, meaning that UTCs will continue to be able to deliver the skills and knowledge that young people need for high-paying sustainable employment. Also, what employers require to meet skills needs and grow their capacity.”

#thinkUTC week returns bigger and better for second year

The Baker Dearing Educational Trust has announced the second #thinkUTC week will take place between 17 and 21 November 2025.

#thinkUTC week will spotlight the University Technical Colleges (UTC) programme’s deepening collaboration with industry and education — including a new national partnership with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and the announcement of a new alumni board.

#thinkUTC week will feature a packed schedule of events and announcements

In a major development, Baker Dearing is launching its new UTC alumni board, composed of nine UTC leavers from across the country and different industrial sectors. This board will help create a unified community of former UTC students and help inform and improve the experience for current and future learners.

A national partnership between Baker Dearing and Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will also be launched. This builds on the civil engineering company’s existing engagement with UTCs and signals both organisations’ ambition for wider employer-education alignment.

Baker Dearing is also working with the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) on opportunities for UTC staff to take part in the ETF’s “Bridging the Gap” initiative — a scheme explicitly designed to develop understanding between education and industry and improve the delivery of T Levels, the gold standard technical qualifications.

Staff, students and employer partners at University Technical Colleges will have the opportunity to take part in #thinkUTC week. They are being encouraged to submit videos, photos, and case studies of what they think makes their UTC unique.

That could be a particular employer partner, equipment, facilities, teachers, buildings, proximity to employers – anything they want.

Last year, UTCs gave a tremendous response to the ‘think UTC, think…’ promotion, where students, staff, and employers were filmed saying what first came to mind when they thought of their UTC.

Why it matters

As the UK faces increasing demand for skilled technical talent, the UTC programme offers a distinctive model: combining rigorous academic and technical study, employer engagement from day one, and clear pathways into apprenticeships, higher education or employment.

Through our involvement with ETF’s national Bridging the Gap agenda and by partnering with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Baker Dearing seeks to amplify that model and influence the broader system — ensuring more young people access technical education linked to real employer demand.

Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Infrastructure Simon Smith commented:

“For over a decade, we have worked with UTCs to support young people in developing the skills and confidence to thrive in their future careers, while providing insight into civil engineering and the endless opportunities available.

“Our new partnership with the Baker Dearing Educational Trust will help to build on the strong foundations we have already created and develop a strong pipeline of future employees for the industry. We’re excited about what the future holds and the lasting impact it continues to bring to the communities in which we operate.”

Chair of the UTC Alumni Board Lucie Gresham-Hill commented:

“It is a real privilege to launch the board during this great celebration of the UTC programme.

“Our board will work for all UTC students and leavers to help them get the best experience from their education.

“It will also help unify our community of alumni, many of whom have gone on to excel in a wide range of industries. A broad and collaborative alumni community will demonstrate to stakeholders and the public the transformative impact of a UTC education, hopefully enabling more young people to benefit in the way our board members have.”

Chief Executive of Baker Dearing Kate Ambrosi commented:

“We are proud to launch the 2025 #thinkUTC week as a celebration of high-quality technical education rooted in employer partnership. I am especially looking forward to seeing how UTCs mark this celebration of all they do to help young people and industry.

“Our collaboration with the ETF’s Bridging the Gap initiative and partnership with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will help Baker Dearing better deliver the high-quality, industry-led opportunities for which our national programme of UTCs is renowned by families, employers, and government.

“This comes after an excellent 2024-25 academic year for UTCs. A third of UTCs are now rated ‘outstanding’ or have outstanding features, according to Ofsted, and 86 per cent are ‘good’ or better.

“We have also received a highly welcome exemption from the national curriculum, meaning that UTCs will continue to be able to deliver the skills and knowledge that young people need for high-paying sustainable employment. Also, what employers require to meet skills needs and grow their capacity.”

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