HRH the Duke of York was guest of honour at MediaCityUK’s University Technical College on its #ThinkUTC talent and skills day.
Prince Andrew met with talented students from across Manchester and was treated to a showcase of the North West’s tech potential in Salford on Friday.
“This UTC is like no other I have visited. The skills you are delivering to students are preparing them to such an advanced level that they may not go to university, but straight into employment,” HRH said.
“The success of this UTC is due to you having chosen this college where you feel you can make decisions about your learning. Here you do not feel like your ideas are met with a no.”
UTC MediaCityUK, which opened in September 2015, is a college for 14-18 year olds who have a passion for shaping digital and creative content.
Students study a mixture of academic GCSEs, A-levels and technical qualifications as well as getting hands-on, practical experience in specialist pathways such as TV & Film, Graphics & Design, Radio & Audio, and Interactive Media & Gaming.
Its principal Sharon Gardner said: “In our second year, it is fantastic to celebrate the talent and skills being developed here with our students.
“Visitors, partners and sponsors have all been impressed by the level of technical skill, maturity and creativity at work.
“Testament to this is that we have Year 13 students with offers from prestigious university departments, including an offer from Oxford University.”
Prince Andrew met students studying in each of the UTC’s pathways during his tour of the state-of-the-art facilities at the college.
He also met the UTC’s sponsors the University of Salford, the Lowry and Aldridge Education, and Charles Parker from the Baker Dearing Trust, founders of the UTC movement nationally.
Matt Tiplady, a year 13 student, said: “It was great opportunity for us to showcase our work to our partners and also employers in the Manchester digital community through the attention HRH the Duke of York’s visit has received.”
James Medd of local business hub The Landing said: “Working with these young people has been a joy, their enthusiasm for the different work we have done with them has been infectious.
“They are a credit to their teachers and college. We were very proud to be able to present our work with them to His Royal Highness.”