Students at UTC South Durham, Newton Aycliffe, showcased innovative solutions to real-world business challenges at the college’s Industry Projects 2026 event, held on Thursday 26th March.
The event saw Year 10 and Sixth Form students present the outcomes of 12-week projects delivered in partnership with leading regional employers including Tekmar, Meldrum Construction, Costain, SNOP and Sunderland University. Working from live briefs, set by Industry, students collaborated in teams to tackle genuine challenges faced by businesses, applying their academic and technical knowledge in a practical setting while developing key skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving.
Throughout the day, students pitched their ideas to panels of employers, took part in judging sessions and celebrated their achievements at an awards ceremony, with winning teams recognised for the quality, creativity and impact of their work.
Industry Projects are a cornerstone of the UTC South Durham model, which places employer engagement at the heart of education. This approach continues to deliver strong outcomes for students, with 35% of Year 13 leavers progressing into apprenticeships in Summer 2025, significantly higher than both the Durham average of 9% and the national average of 7%. Many of these students move directly into advanced and degree-level roles with leading employers.
Tom Dower, Principal of UTC South Durham, said: “It was fantastic to see our students present with such confidence and professionalism, demonstrating not only their technical knowledge, but also the employability skills that businesses are looking for.
“Our Industry Projects give students the opportunity to work directly with employers on real challenges, and events like this show just how valuable that experience is. The quality of work on display was exceptional and highlights how combining technical and academic study with meaningful industry engagement prepares young people for successful futures.”
The impact of the programme can already be seen in industry, with previous students developing a solution to reduce downtime at SchlegelGiesse’s Newton Aycliffe site, which has since been implemented and is now being explored for patent and wider rollout.
David Land, chair at UTC South Durham, said: “Initiatives such as our Industry Projects show how powerful an employer-led approach can be. We’re seeing real, tangible results, with UTC South Durham ranked among the very best in the North East and in the top 0.5% nationally for students progressing into apprenticeships.
“By embedding industry engagement throughout the curriculum, students gain direct exposure to real workplaces, develop confidence and build the technical and professional skills employers are actively seeking. This consistent pipeline of work-ready, capable young people, is increasingly recognised by industry, with many students moving straight into advanced and degree-level roles with leading regional and national employers.”
UTC South Durham, established in September 2016, is a STEM-focused technical school and sixth form in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, for students aged 14–19, specialising in engineering and advanced manufacturing. It partners with local employers, like Hitachi, to offer specialized T Levels, A-levels, and vocational courses, often moving to a 4-day week for Sixth Form.
The Industry Projects 2026 event once again demonstrated how UTC South Durham is equipping young people with the skills, experience and connections needed to succeed, while supporting businesses across the region with fresh thinking and innovative ideas.
