A college head has urged students to think about science and maths – and the career possibilities they bring – as they work out what to do next.
Jonathan Clarke, principal of the new university technical college UTC@harbourside, said that students had a unique opportunity as they received their GCSE results today (Thursday 20 August).
Mr Clarke said: “A levels in sciences, maths and engineering are highly valued by universities and can enhance your chance of a career in a very wide range of fields, many of which have great job prospects with big skill shortages in this country.
“Opportunities for engineers are widespread, well rewarded and global in nature – young engineers use their knowledge to develop new technologies and solve challenging problems.
“With the right skills engineers become team and project leaders and ultimately rise to the top of local and multinational companies.
“Mathematics opens up fields as diverse as accountancy, actuarial science and teaching – where there’s a national shortage!
“Sciences, computing and programming open up a massive range of career opportunities – from medicine to business and even in the law.”
“If you haven’t finalised your sixth-form options, or if your results are different to what you had expected, it’s really worth looking again at the real opportunities taking sciences, maths or engineering at A level can bring you.”
UTC@harbourside opens its doors in Newhaven for the first time next month with students coming from across a wide area of Sussex, including Brighton and Hove.
It is aimed at 14 to 18-year-olds interested in science, technology, engineering, maths and computing.
Year 10 is oversubscribed with a waiting list but there a few places are available in Year 12 starting on Monday 7 September.
Students can talk to the UTC team to discuss their options once they have their results – or find out more about the college – by phoning 01273 640776.
UTC@harbourside, which is based at Railway Quay, Newhaven, specialises in marine and environmental engineering and associated skills. It is opening at a time of growing demand for jobs in these fields and works closely with leading local employers such as Eon and Veolia.
Veolia is one of the college’s sponsors, along with Brighton University, Lewes District Council and the Aldridge Foundation, which sponsors two schools – BACA and PACA – in Brighton and Hove.
