Duke’s up for Hackney University Technical College opening

Princely patron: HRH the Duke of York speaks to a special assembly of Hackney UTC students at the granding opening. Photograph: Matt Writtle

Prince Andrew the Duke of York visited a new college in Hackney earlier this month to meet its students and honour it with a Royal opening.

On Wednesday 3 October the Prince visited Hackney University Technical College, where he was shown its high-tech facilities and unveiled a plaque to mark its maiden term.

“It’s an enormous pleasure to be your patron,” said the Duke, in a speech to Hackney UTC students as part of a special assembly. “I didn’t go to university, as you may know, I chose to pursue a technical career by joining the navy,” said His Royal Highness.

“I want to wish all of you every success in your education, but more than that, I hope that you will take up the challenge offered to you,” he said. “If you aspire to achieve, then this is the establishment that’s going to help you to achieve your ambitions.”

Hackney UTC is the first institution of its kind in London and only the third in the country. It began its first term last month, and will give students the chance to attain a technical qualification in their chosen field alongside their normal studies.

The former range from health to digital technologies, “two of London’s growth industries,” and have been developed to help students acquire employment with local businesses when they leave the UTC.

“We are honoured that our Patron, His Royal Highness the Duke of York, has extended his support by opening Hackney UTC,” said Annie Blackmore, Principal of Hackney UTC. “Our students and staff are already immensely proud of our new school and what we are here to achieve. For the students to meet and have the opportunity to talk to His Royal Highness is incredibly inspirational,” she said.

In her speech to the assembly, Annie Blackmore said the UTC uses an “employer-led curriculum,” whereby employers help design the students’ courses and support them through projects, work experience and mentoring.

She hailed the UTC as “truly ground-breaking,” and said it was responding to the needs of employers on “what skills and attributes will best equip young people in East London to take full advantage of the exciting opportunities available in the local employment sectors and in the global economy.”

The special assembly included a presentation from the Head Girl and Head Boy, and a film made by the students celebrating the UTC.

Hackney South MP Meg Hillier, who was also at the opening, said she supported the UTC’s approach, and that it was in line with the new Technical Baccalaureate, (or ‘Tech-Bacc’), which enjoys support from both Ed Miliband and the Conservative Lord Baker.

Ms Hillier said she thought it was crucial that children be “equipped for the jobs of tomorrow,” and welcomed the support of a high profile person like Prince Andrew, which she said would help the UTC to succeed.

The Duke of York has been a backer of Hackney UTC since January, hosting events to promote the UTC idea, including one at Buckingham Palace for heads and principals of local schools to raise the UTC’s profile.