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    • Industry Partners

    At UTC Plymouth, we believe education should go beyond the classroom. That’s why we work hand in hand with a wide range of industry partners who help us shape a curriculum that is meaningful, relevant and aligned with the real world of work. 

    Our partners are leaders in their fields, representing some of the most exciting and high-paying industries in the region and beyond. While they are not directly involved in the leadership or governance of the school, they play a vital role in supporting our mission.

    Many contribute financially to our curriculum development, projects and careers guidance, while also offering students access to work experience, workshops and mentoring opportunities. The list of our partners is growing all the time, reflecting the strength of our connections and the trust we have built with employers. 

    Why We Work With Industry 

    Everything our students learn is geared towards preparing them for the future, whether that’s securing an apprenticeship, progressing to university or stepping straight into an exciting career. By working closely with industries, we ensure that our teaching reflects the latest standards, technologies and expectations of the workplace. This means our students don’t just leave with qualifications; they leave with the skills, confidence and professional awareness that employers are looking for. 

    Opportunities for Students 

    Opportunities are plentiful for UTC Plymouth students thanks to our industry links. These include: 

    • CV workshops to help students present themselves professionally. 

     

    Many of our students go on to secure apprenticeships or employment directly with our partner organisations, while others use the skills and experiences gained to stand out in applications for university or other career pathways. 

    Babcock International 

    Babcock is one of Plymouth’s largest employers and a global leader in engineering services, particularly in defence, marine and nuclear sectors. At Devonport Dockyard, they maintain and modernise the Royal Navy fleet of submarines and surface ships. Their work demands a highly skilled workforce and they are deeply invested in developing local talent. 

    By working with UTC Plymouth, Babcock helps shape a curriculum that reflects real industry needs. Students benefit from site visits, mentoring and exposure to cutting-edge engineering projects. This partnership ensures that young people leave UTC with the technical knowledge and professional mindset required to step into apprenticeships or careers with Babcock and beyond. 

    Collins Aerospace 

    Collins Aerospace, part of RTX (formerly United Technologies), is a world leader in aerospace systems and defence technology. Their Plymouth site specialises in advanced navigation systems and inertial sensors, supplying equipment used in both military and civilian aircraft worldwide. 

    Their partnership with UTC Plymouth gives students a window into the aerospace industry, offering opportunities for work experience, design challenges and career talks. By engaging with Collins, students see how classroom learning in physics, maths and engineering translates into real-world aerospace innovation. This inspires them to think ambitiously about careers in aviation, defence and technology. 

    Relay Engineering 

    Relay Engineering is a specialist provider of engineering solutions for the marine, oil, and gas industries. With expertise in mechanical, electrical and structural engineering, they deliver complex projects both in the UK and overseas. Their work ranges from ship repair, to offshore energy projects, requiring adaptability and precision. 

    By collaborating with UTC Plymouth, Relay Engineering helps students understand the breadth of engineering careers available locally. They provide practical insights into marine and industrial engineering, showing students how skills learned in the classroom can be applied to global industries. This connection helps students see pathways into apprenticeships and careers in sectors that are vital to Plymouth’s economy. 

    Princess Yachts 

    Princess Yachts is one of Plymouth’s most iconic employers, renowned worldwide for building luxury yachts that combine craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Their reputation for quality and innovation makes them a leader in the marine industry. 

    Through their partnership with UTC Plymouth, Princess Yachts offers students opportunities to explore careers in marine engineering, carpentry, composites and design. Apprenticeships and work placements with Princess give students experience in a world-class manufacturing environment. This collaboration shows students how creativity and technical skill come together to produce products recognised across the globe. 

    Royal Air Force (RAF) 

    As one of the UK’s armed forces, The RAF is responsible for protecting the nation’s airspace and supporting global operations. Beyond flying aircraft, the RAF employs thousands of engineers, technicians and specialists in logistics, communications and cyber security. 

    UTC Plymouth’s connection with the RAF, including through our Combined Cadet Force (CCF), gives students the chance to develop leadership, discipline and teamwork. These experiences build confidence and resilience, qualities that are valued in any career. For students interested in aviation, engineering or defence, the RAF partnership provides a direct link to exciting career opportunities. 

    Rittal-CSM 

    Rittal-CSM is a major engineering and manufacturing employer in Plymouth, producing enclosures, power distribution systems and IT infrastructure solutions used worldwide. Their Plymouth facility employs hundreds of staff and is a hub of advanced manufacturing. 

    Rittal has been a key supporter of UTC Plymouth since its early days, contributing to curriculum design and offering apprenticeships and career pathways. Their involvement ensures that students are learning skills that are directly relevant to modern manufacturing. Many UTC graduates have gone on to successful careers at Rittal, proving the value of this strong partnership. 

    Royal Navy 

    The Royal Navy has been at the heart of Plymouth’s identity for centuries, with HMNB Devonport being the largest naval base in Western Europe. The Navy plays a vital role in national defence, humanitarian missions, and global security. 

    UTC Plymouth’s close ties with the Royal Navy give students unique opportunities to engage with naval engineering, leadership programmes, and cadet activities. This partnership not only connects students to potential careers in the armed forces, but also instils values of discipline, teamwork, and service—qualities that benefit them in any future pathway. 

    Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) 

    PCH is the city’s largest social housing provider, managing thousands of homes and working to improve communities across Plymouth. Their mission goes beyond housing; they focus on wellbeing, digital inclusion and creating opportunities for residents. 

    By working with UTC Plymouth, PCH helps students understand the importance of community, social responsibility and sustainable development. They provide opportunities for students to engage in projects that link engineering and construction skills with real social impact. This partnership shows students how technical skills can be used to improve lives and strengthen communities. 

    Ministry of Defence (MoD) 

    The MoD is responsible for the UK’s defence and security, overseeing the armed forces and working with industry partners to deliver critical capabilities. In Plymouth, the MoD has a significant presence through HMNB Devonport and its collaboration with Babcock. 

    UTC Plymouth’s partnership with the MoD connects students to national defence priorities and cutting-edge technologies, from nuclear engineering to cyber security. This relationship helps students see how their studies can lead to careers that contribute to national security and innovation, while also opening doors to apprenticeships and higher education opportunities. 

    Aldermans 

    Aldermans is a family-run, metal fabrication company in Plymouth with over 50 years of experience. They are champions of local manufacturing and are active in promoting STEM careers, particularly encouraging young women into engineering. 

    Their partnership with UTC Plymouth includes mentoring, factory visits, and setting engineering challenges. By engaging directly with students, Aldermans shows how creativity and precision in manufacturing can lead to rewarding careers. Their support helps inspire the next generation of engineers and highlights the importance of local businesses in shaping Plymouth’s future workforce. 

    Next Steps South West (NSSW) 

    Next Steps South West is part of the Uni Connect programme, helping young people across the region explore higher education opportunities. They provide impartial advice, workshops, and events to raise aspirations and awareness of pathways into university and degree-level apprenticeships. 

    By working with UTC Plymouth, NSSW ensures that students have the guidance and confidence to make informed decisions about their futures. Their support helps students see the full range of opportunities available to them, whether in Plymouth or further afield, and ensures that no student feels limited in their ambitions. 

    BD (Becton Dickinson) 

    BD is a global medical technology company with a major site in Plymouth, employing hundreds of people in the design and manufacture of medical devices. Their work has a direct impact on healthcare worldwide, from diagnostics to patient care. 

    Their partnership with UTC Plymouth introduces students to careers in medical technology and advanced manufacturing. By engaging with BD, students see how engineering and science can be applied to improve lives and support global health. This connection broadens students’ horizons, showing them that their skills can make a difference far beyond Plymouth. 

    Ocean City Media 

    Ocean City Media is a creative media company based in Plymouth, specialising in video production, digital storytelling and communications. They work with organisations across the South West to create campaigns that inspire and engage audiences. 

    By partnering with UTC Plymouth, Ocean City Media helps students understand the power of media and communication in modern industries. They provide opportunities for students to develop digital skills, explore creative careers, and learn how storytelling can influence change. This partnership highlights the diversity of career pathways available to UTC students, beyond traditional engineering roles. 

    Balfour Beatty 

    Balfour Beatty is the UK’s largest construction and infrastructure company, delivering major projects across transport, energy, defence, and social infrastructure. In Plymouth, they are involved in projects ranging from coastal defences to sustainable transport and energy solutions. 

    Their partnership with UTC Plymouth connects students to the world of large-scale construction and civil engineering. Through site visits, talks, and potential apprenticeships, students gain insight into how infrastructure shapes communities and supports economic growth. This collaboration shows students how their skills can contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient future. 

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