Businesses from across the region are being encouraged to go ‘plastic-free’ as Newton Abbot’s pioneering technical college hosted its summer Business Breakfast.
South Devon University Technical College (UTC) invited business leaders to meet its eco-ambassadors at its networking event during ‘plastic-free July’. Launched in 2018, the eco-ambassador group has initiated a range of practical solutions set to improve the college’s environmental footprint. Driven by the determination of students, the group has already encouraged the school to switch its materials used in the canteen and introduced recycling initiatives. As a testament to their hard work, the group were presented with a Recycle Devon Award in March.
At the breakfast networking event, attendees heard from South Devon UTC’s young environmentalists on what tools they are putting in place to achieve ‘plastic-free’ status. The specialist STEM school aims to become Community Allies of Plastic Free Communities, a network founded by Surfers Against Sewage, by linking up with businesses and employer partners.
Guests also received a guided tour of the college on Kingsteignton Road and its state-of-the-art facilities before hearing more from students and staff on the benefits of becoming a South Devon UTC employer partner.
Companies from across the region have helped shape the curriculum, provide Challenge Products and offer work experience to ensure student leavers are equipped with the skills and experiences needed to be work ready and to progress in their chosen fields. As a result, over 70% of Science and Engineering Level 3 learners have gained Distinction grades.
Current South Devon UTC employer partners include: Centrax Gas Turbines, Galliford Try, Linden Homes, MB Aerospace, South West Water, the Environment Agency, Teignbridge District Council and national charity, Water Aid.
Claire Plumb, Principal at South Devon UTC, commented: “We were delighted to welcome businesses from across the region to our summer business breakfast. We hope that they learnt a lot from our passionate eco-ambassadors and have been encouraged to think about what they could do within their own companies to go plastic-free.”
Claire continued: “It gave us a great opportunity to reveal what goes on behind these doors and highlight how important it is for local employers to connect with the engineers and scientists of the future. Employers who actively engage to push forward the training and development of young people are gaining a professional, communicative and capable future work-force. For our students, working with our employer partners helps them develop professionalism, drive and confidence.”
Business leaders who are interested to learn more about South Devon UTC’s employer partnership scheme should contact the college on 01626 240201 or email info@southdevonutc.org.
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