Devan Josiah Wesley studied A level geography, AS physics, level 3 engineering and an EPQ at Greater Peterborough UTC. He’s now studying for a degree level apprenticeship in systems engineering; focusing on electrical and electronic engineering, with Z-Tech.

“I joined the UTC in Year 10, with aspirations of becoming an architect,” he says. “The idea of designing objects which people use every day, without thought or even effort, was interesting to me.

“Whilst at the UTC I was exposed to many of its sponsors. It was always in my mind to leave a good impression on those visitors, from the array of sponsors the UTC had. I gained practical skills which other sixth forms didn’t present, which were bettered in the enrichment activities the UTC hosted. I spent my enrichment time working on Green Power with a team of friends, designing and manufacturing an electric kit car.”

Devan was offered a degree level apprenticeship with Z-Tech, one of the UTC’s employer partners. “I completed work experience at the company,” he says. “After I’d completed my exams in Year 13 they offered me a degree level apprenticeship in systems engineering. I now study electrical and electronic engineering.

“I believe that if I knew my destination as a junior systems engineer I would have been able to better apply the resources available at the UTC. Most importantly, my UTC gave me the opportunity to be able to interact with companies, giving me an insight to aspire to.”