Learners from The JCB Academy received the Duke of York Award for Technical Education from HRH The Duke of York on 6th November 2017 at St James’s Palace.
The Award recognises the success of learners who have pursued highly technical subjects including engineering, health sciences, advanced manufacturing and computer science. It reflects the unique specialist education young people receive at technical schools and colleges which offers academic, technical and practical learning.
Amongst the award winners was Sam Jones from Burton-on-Trent. Sam joined The JCB Academy in 2013 and continued his education into the academy’s sixth form where he studied an engineering diploma and A-level mathematics. Since finishing his studies at the academy Sam has gained himself an impressive apprenticeship in the design department at Aston Martin.
Also joining this year’s JCB Academy learners were two former JCB Academy Sixth Form learners, Georgia Turner and Adam Varley, who both received awards at the first ceremony in 2012 and were invited back to share their career progress with the Duke. Adam from Wetley Rocks in Staffordshire studied engineering, mathematics, and biology at The JCB Academy Sixth Form and went on to a Higher Apprenticeship at JCB, studying an NVQ Level 4 in mechanical engineering at Derby College. Early this year Adam graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a first-class honours degree in mechanical engineering that was sponsored by JCB and is now employed full-time at JCB as a mechanical design engineer. Georgia from Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, who was previously awarded a gold Duke of York Award, started at The JCB Academy in 2011 and continued her education into the academy’s sixth form where she studied engineering and mathematics and was twice awarded the academy’s student of the year award. Georgia is now studying for a BA Eng (Hons) in product design engineering at Loughborough University.
Another former JCB Academy Sixth Form learner, Ozan Bozkurt from Rugeley, who studied an engineering diploma and an A-level in physics and mathematics, picked up a Duke of York Outstanding Achievement Award.
Paul Stanmore, Director of The JCB Academy Sixth Form said: “The Duke of York Award provides official recognition at the highest level and is the culmination of two years of demanding study, engineering work experience, and a rigorous selection process. Presented at St James’s Palace by HRH, it is fantastic to see the Duke supporting the need for engineers and the vital role they play in shaping our futures. I have no doubt that engineers leaving the academy are amongst the best engineering talent in the country and will go on to achieve many great things in their chosen discipline”.
Nomination for the Duke of York Award for Technical Education is based on successfully completing a process of work experience placements, academic achievement, and development of workplace skills together with a rigorous assessment interview.
HRH The Duke of York said: “I congratulate every student who has received a Duke of York Award for Technical Education. UTCs are changing the face of modern education in this country. We need people who will be able to apply a foundation of specialist technical skill and apply it to jobs, many of which are yet to be created. The awards recognise the achievements of all the learners and I wish all those here today good luck as they take the next step in their careers and start to help shape and change the United Kingdom.”
Photos can be viewed at https://photos.app.goo.gl/mx6JQCqosEmx8FhC2
