Hull’s C4DI partners with Ron Dearing UTC to develop tech and digital talent

The new University Technical College (UTC) in Hull has formed a partnership with the city’s digital hub to develop the next generation of tech talent.

The Ron Dearing UTC will specialise in digital technology and mechatronics – a combination of computing and engineering – and says teaming with the Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI) is a “natural match”.

The UTC has rented an office at C4DI in Hull’s Fruit Market so that it is at the centre of the city’s tech community and will benefit from the wide array of digital businesses based in the building in the lead-up to the opening of the UTC’s £10m new building in September next year.

In addition, the UTC will make use of C4DI’s facilities, including presentation studio, boardroom and breakout area, for meetings and events with the UTC’s sponsor organisations, businesses and business groups and other stakeholders.

The UTC team will also hold individual information, advice and guidance meetings with prospective students and their parents or carers at C4DI, enabling them to find out more about the UTC’s educational model, curriculum, culture and values.

C4DI opened in December 2015 as the centrepiece of Hull-based regeneration company Wykeland Group’s £15m @TheDock development. The upper floors comprise a range of digital businesses while the ground floor is a collaborative community for freelance technology specialists.

C4DI aims to help tech startups grow and big businesses innovate by using technology more efficiently. C4DI’s co-working community of digital specialists are developing projects delivered by C4DI for more than 30 member businesses, including global organisations such as Siemens and RB.

The Ron Dearing UTC will open in purpose-built premises next to Hull New Theatre in Hull city centre in September 2017 and will accommodate up to 600 students, aged 14 to 19.

The UTC is backed by educational partner the University of Hull and five of the area’s largest employers – communications provider KCOM; consumer health firm RB; engineering giant Siemens; medical technology business Smith & Nephew and specialist engineering business Spencer Group.

Principal Designate Sarah Pashley said: “This partnership is a huge advantage for us and a natural match for both organisations.

“C4Di is acknowledged as one of the UK’s leading tech hubs and I don’t know of another one with such a strong relationship with a school or college, including C4DI being our home in the lead-up to the opening of the UTC.

“Building our links with the city’s tech community now will enhance our curriculum and the opportunities we can offer when we do open. For example, we want to set up internships for our students with the exciting digital businesses at C4DI.

“We believe this partnership is unique and will really give our students the edge. It’s also a great opportunity for C4DI and the businesses based there, as they need a flow of tech-savvy young people with the digital skills we will develop.”

John Connolly, the C4DI managing director who is also a Shadow Governor of the UTC, added: “It’s great the UTC team are moving to C4DI and we will be working together so closely.

“One of the key challenges for the region’s economy is developing the advanced digital skills that are in ever-increasing demand from businesses across all sectors. The UTC will provide a pipeline of talented young people with exactly those skills for local businesses, including those based at C4DI.

“By working with the UTC we can promote to students and parents the vast range of exciting opportunities open to young people with digital and technical skills. We have so many great examples here of fast-growing businesses that are developing amazing digital products and services.”

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