THE first employer sponsored internship has been agreed for a new university technical college (UTC) scheduled to welcome its first students in September.

Cheltenham-based technological engineering firm Versarien is the first company to have confirmed a sponsorship with the UTC at the £30million Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park in Berkeley.

The sponsorship means that students entering the UTC in Years 10 and 12 will have the ability to be talent spotted by future employers.

SGS Berkeley Green UTC will specialise in engineering, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, including cyber security, and will provide opportunities for youngsters to gain the skills required by these sectors.

The UTC, unlike other secondary schools in Gloucestershire, provides the opportunity for students to spend a minimum of 40 per cent of their time learning about and gaining vocational skills and experience needed by employers whilst still meeting the requirements of the national curriculum.

Neill Ricketts, chief executive officer of Versarien, said: “Employers are desperate for talent and we need to retain the best we possibly can do within the region.“So if I find the talent is so strong, rather than limit the opportunity, I would engage all with talent as I need young talent for the future of my company.”

The Versarien sponsorship scheme will provide successful applicants with a minimum of four weeks work placement each year; access and contact to one of their staff, to provide a minimum of five days of mentoring each year; a contribution to the students’ educational supplies, £200 per year; provision of workwear for the student up to a maximum of £150; and a guaranteed interview with a chance to meet and present to the directors of the company as the student completes his/her course. 

Versarien has also committed to make an annual contribution to the UTC Bursary Scheme to support qualifying students.

Students starting GCSE or post-16 studies next year and who are interested in digital, engineering and cyber careers can visit the Berkeley Green University Technical College on Saturday, November 5 from 10am-2pm.