KCOM backed Ron Dearing UTC claims green energy education award

Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has won an award recognising its contribution to the development of the Humber as a green energy centre of excellence.

The KCOM-backed school was named as winner of the Renewables Education category of the Humber Renewables Awards 2018.

The awards judges were impressed by the strong partnerships forged by the school with leading players in the green economy, as well as the use of virtual reality tools to bring real-world offshore work into the classroom.

The judges also noted that the school was over-subscribed for both its launch last year and second intake of students in September.

Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re delighted by this accolade and by the recognition that we are playing our part in the exciting growth of renewable energy on the Humber.

“In many ways this is a tribute to our employer partners, who include many of the companies at the forefront of the green energy revolution. They have been integral to shaping the school, our facilities, curriculum and ethos.

“We have learned from them the skills and qualifications they require to provide the pipeline of talent for their businesses and to maintain the momentum of the green economy.”

Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners include the University of Hull, which plays a pivotal role in the development of the green energy sector in the region; Siemens Gamesa, which has invested in world-class wind power manufacturing, assembly and logistics operations in Hull;, and multi-disciplinary engineering business Spencer Group, which has exceptional track record for delivering major projects in the renewables field.

The line-up of Major Partners includes Ørsted, the world’s leading offshore wind farm developer, and the Green Port Hull partnership, which is working to develop the region as a world-class centre for renewable energy.

The Humber Renewables Awards, staged by Hull Daily Mail and Grimsby Telegraph, also recognised the contribution of Spencer Group and Ørsted.

Spencer Group was named the Humber Renewables Champion while Ørsted claimed the Best Renewable Energy Project or Installation Award for its Race Bank offshore wind farm.

Mrs Pashley thanked Hull College Group, sponsor of the Renewables Education Award, and added: “Congratulations to our partners Spencer Group and Ørsted for their richly-deserved awards and to all our partners who are contributing to the region’s green energy success story.”

Ron Dearing UTC has been established to develop a new pipeline of tech-savvy and work-ready young people and is backed by its Founding Partners – the University of Hull; KCOM; RB; Siemens Gamesa; Smith & Nephew; and Spencer Group; as well as a host of other leading local employers.

The school opened last September and will grow to a capacity of 600 students, aged 14 to 19, by September 2020.

For more information on Ron Dearing UTC and how to apply to join the school go to www.rondearingutc.com/apply