A specialist college in Norfolk has celebrated the contribution of employers to its students' learning experience.

Eastern Daily Press: University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN) unveil a new board in honour of its industry liaison group, made up of employers who support the college and its students. Students Lewis Moreton, Nathan King and Grace Pierson with Yvonne Mason (chair of ILG) and principal Alex Hayes. Picture: Nick ButcherUniversity Technical College Norfolk (UTCN) unveil a new board in honour of its industry liaison group, made up of employers who support the college and its students. Students Lewis Moreton, Nathan King and Grace Pierson with Yvonne Mason (chair of ILG) and principal Alex Hayes. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN) unveiled a board at its premises on Oldhall Road in Norwich to commemorate the businesses which are helping it towards its aim of addressing the skills shortage in science and engineering.

From three main employer partners – Lotus, Future Marine Services and Gardline – when UTCN launched in 2014, there are now more than 40 businesses actively engaged with the college.

Employer support ranges from helping to shape the college's curriculum, providing work experience opportunities and supporting longer-term practical projects, giving talks and running workshops for students.

The extensive employer engagement has contributed to UTCN's strong progression on apprenticeships, which half of this summer's graduates went in to.

So far this term there have been opportunities for UTCN's Year 12 students to meet and learn from representatives from more than 20 different employers, including Tarmac, Seajacks, R G Carter, Warren Services, Briar Chemicals, Vattenfall and Morgan Sindall.

Alex Hayes, principal of University Technical College Norfolk, said: 'We are fortunate to have the support and active involvement of brilliant employers who share our vision of creating the next generation of engineers and scientists.'