March 31 2015.


Crane driver Vicky Harvey is getting a bird’s eye view of building progress at Newhaven’s new University Technical College for 14 to 18 year olds that opens in September. Vicky, 31, is one of only three or four female crane drivers in the country.

Vicky explains: “I started working on the site three weeks ago. We are working on the inner construction of the building and making a lot of progress. The building is changing fast.”

Contractors, Kier Construction is converting and extending Grade II listed marine and carpenters’ workshops at Railway Quay, Newhaven to create the state-of-the-art college. It will offer an outstanding academic and technical education focused on science, engineering, technology, maths and computing and specialise in the skills in demand from the growing marine engineering and environmental technology sectors in the region.

Jonathan Clarke, Principal Designate of the college, said: “Engineering and technology are such diverse fields and Vicky’s job operating the crane shows there need be no barriers to the jobs and careers girls can go into. Girls and boys are equally enthusiastic about science and technology when they’re younger and UTC@harbourside will provide an environment where both are supported to develop that interest and be equipped for fulfilling careers in fields as diverse as renewable energy, life sciences, architecture, boat building, IT or the media.”

Applications are open now for students from across Sussex wishing to join at the start of their GCSE courses at age 14, and for post 16 courses starting in September 2015.

Nearly 100 students and parents met the Principal and other staff and found out more about the college at two pizza nights last week at Luna Rossa Italian Restaurant in Newhaven. 

Another Pizza Night is being held there on the 8th of April for other potential students and parents. To book a place and for details of other events coming up visit www.utc-harbourside.org/events