This is from the December edition of Baker Dearing’s newsletter for external stakeholders, The Blueprint. Register on LinkedIn to receive editions every month, focusing on issues affecting industry and education; such as the skills needs of the energy industry, quantum computing, the government’s curriculum review, and teacher recruitment.

This edition celebrates Thomas Telford UTC student Ryan Skitt, who was named T Level Student of the Year at the 2025 National Apprenticeships and Skills Awards on 26 November.

Ryan, who was presented with his award by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP and awards ceremony host Ben Shephard, completed his T Level industry placement at multidisciplinary construction consultancy Baily Garner. He also previously completed his GCSEs at the UTC.

Watch the video below for the full interview with Ryan, which includes the story of how he almost did not get a place at the UTC…