THE Duke of York will visit the Univesity Technical College site in Swindon today.

Prince Andrew will meet the UTC board of directors in the morning before the group is joined by headteachers from secondary schools across the town. Sponsors and partners of the college, including UTC Swindon directors from Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and Oxford Brookes University, will also be attending.

After meeting key stakeholders, the royal visitor will be shown around the college site at the former railway works by principal Angela Barker-Dench before meeting students.

Angela said: “This is another historic moment for UTC Swindon. “This college is going to be iconic in the world of engineering, equipping young people with the skills to pursue careers in engineering in all its diverse forms. “His Royal Highness has a passion for engineering, manufacturing and apprenticeships. “His core values and beliefs regarding skills in the workplace coincide directly with what UTC Swindon will be doing.”

As patron of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, the duke encourages wider support from parents, businesses and other stakeholders. He supports enterprise-focused education and helps providers promote the opportunities they offer.

The duke’s visit comes two weeks after the founder of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust and former Home Secretary, Lord Baker of Dorking , was shown around the UTC site. UTC Swindon will occupy a new, £10m state-of-the-art facility.

It will cater for 600 students aged 14 to 19. Students can apply for places by emailing info@utcswindon.co.uk or by downloading the application form from www.utcswindon.co.uk. For more information call UTC Swindon on 07990 601 516.