Industry-led Education
At UTC Leeds, our industry-led curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving job market. By working closely with industry partners, we ensure that our students receive a world-class education that combines academic excellence with real-world application.
What Is an Industry-Led Curriculum?
An industry-led curriculum is one that is shaped and informed by leading employers and professionals. At UTC Leeds, we partner with some of the biggest names in engineering, science, and digital technology to create a learning experience that reflects the latest trends, technologies, and demands of the workplace.
Key Features of Our Industry-Led Curriculum
- Employer Collaboration: Our curriculum is developed in partnership with major industry players, ensuring that what you learn is directly aligned with the needs of the sectors we serve.
- Practical Learning: We focus on hands-on, project-based learning that helps students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: With access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, students at UTC Leeds get to experience the same tools and technologies used in the industry today.
- Work Experience: As part of our T Level courses and vocational programs, students undertake a minimum of 45 days of industry placement, giving them practical experience and valuable connections with potential future employers.
Why Choose an Industry-Led Curriculum?
By choosing UTC Leeds, students gain a competitive edge through:
- Real-World Experience: Work placements and industry projects ensure that students graduate with practical experience and a professional network.
- Skills That Employers Want: Our curriculum focuses on the technical and soft skills that employers look for, including problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership.
- Future-Proof Learning: With a focus on emerging technologies and industry trends, students are prepared for the jobs of the future, whether that’s in engineering, science, or digital technology.
Industry Partners
Our strong ties with industry leaders allow us to offer:
- Industry Mentorship: Students have access to experts in the field, gaining insights into their future careers.
- Live Projects: Work on real challenges faced by companies, giving you practical experience and the chance to contribute to meaningful innovations.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and companies in your chosen sector, creating invaluable links that could lead to future employment.
Discover how our industry-driven approach can help you build the skills, knowledge, and experience to achieve your career goals.
Want to take a look around our world-class facilities?
Industry Standard Facilities
We are based in a unique setting in the growing educational hub at Leeds South Bank. It is fast becoming known as a vibrant, attractive commercial and residential neighbourhood. An £11m investment in the UTC has created a modern, cutting-edge learning environment with the capacity to accommodate 600 students. The state-of-the-art building has been designed with areas designated for scientific research, advanced design and CAD, manufacturing, robotics, as well as bespoke project spaces, classrooms and lecture-style theatres.
The college building is adjacent to the Braime Pressings factory. Braime is a long-established company with a proud history of engineering excellence and a firm supporter of the UTC. The surrounding area is attracting significant ongoing investment to make it an outstanding destination for learning, creativity, leisure, and residential and commercial development. It is already providing a source of industry connections for the UTC.
Funding from the government and sponsorship from our employer partners has enabled specialist equipment and training to be available for all our students to support learning, research and development in science, engineering, computing, design, graphics and robotics – the kind of facilities and training that are beyond the scope of regular schools and academies. Students are also encouraged and supported to visit our employer partners and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Leeds to use industry-specific equipment not available in other educational settings.
Overall, we offer an excellent environment for teaching and learning with a large lecture theatre to support formal university or industry-style presentations. We also have classrooms and a café where students can meet with friends and relax. As well as classroom-based activities, students will be able to experience a range of city-wide business events featuring leading speakers from across the sciences, arts, industry and sports, supporting their learning while contributing to an enjoyable, varied educational experience.
