PARENTS and prospective students had their first chance to look at the newly completed University Technical College building on Saturday.

Although the UTC has been teaching students for several weeks, the principal was not given access to every part of the site until the end of last week.

So at the weekend an open day was held, where people were given a tour and could find out what the UTC is all about.

Located off Bristol Street, it is housed on the old Mill Site and incorporates buildings at the west of the estate owned by Network Rail and the old school GWR building and fire station yard.

Much of the old structure remains, with the new UTC built inside its shell.

As part of the refurbishments, the iconic water tower has been brought back to its former glory and now stands out in the Railway Village.

There are modern classrooms, a bright entrance hall and a full professional workshop is being fitted out.

Principal Angela Barker-Dench said: “It’s absolutely great to finally have the whole building. We have had access to parts of it over the past few weeks but it is nice to be able to show off the new site, which is fantastic.

“The open day is the first chance most parents have had to have a look around, as well as prospective ones. What we have noticed is that the students have taken a real pride in the building. They are eager to show their parents and are very protective of it.”

Over the course of Saturday, several hundred people passed through the doors to find out about the UTC.

The college offers an education for students aged between 14-19 and there is a focus on engineering.

The curriculum has been put together in conjunction with local businesses and the school day is similar to what a student would experience in the working world.

Angela said: “The students have taken to it really well. We don’t have a uniform but they have to dress for work.

“The feedback we have had from parents is that their children are now much smarter.

“Already we have had several businesses come in to work with the students, which they really enjoyed. Now we actually have a building to show people interest has picked up a lot and I expect we will be full next year.”

For more information about the UTC and how to join next year, visit www.utcswindon.co.uk.