THE first principal of Swindon’s proposed £10m university technical college has been announced.

Angela Barker-Dench has been appointed and will take on the role from September, leading the college during its set-up year as it welcomes its first intake of students in September 2014.

UTC Swindon, which will specialise in engineering, business, enterprise and entrepreneurship, will cater for 14 to 19-year-olds.

The institute is planned to be built at the Mill Site, off Bristol Street, and aims to offer high-quality education and training, supported by a range of partners including local companies.

Angela has experience of technical and vocational education, having served as vice principal at both Berkshire College of Agriculture and Capel Manor College in Enfield, where she currently works.

She also brings to the post expertise in liaising between vocational education, industry and higher education, and started her career in engineering. She is also familiar with Swindon, having worked in a senior post at Swindon College.

She said: “It is a tremendous honour to be announced as the first principal of UTC Swindon.

“I am excited about the prospect of helping students to gain a high-quality education within a distinctive learning environment. UTC Swindon promises to be an exciting new concept in education which will provide 14 to 19-year-olds with the skills and knowledge to progress on to university, apprenticeships and successful careers. I can’t wait to get started.”

When she takes up her post, Angela will immediately start work on managing the opening of the college and ensuring that plans are fully in place for the first students who walk through the doors at the start of term in September next year.

Work on enrolment of students is now beginning, with the first of a series of open meetings scheduled for 6.30pm on July 11 at Swindon’s Steam Museum. One of Angela’s key tasks next year will be to support students through their applications.

Paul Inman, pro-vice chancellor for Oxford Brookes University and a UTC Swindon director, said: “Having seen a particularly strong field of candidates, it was clear to the UTC Trust that Angela Barker-Dench was the right person for the job.

“The partners involved in the development of UTC Swindon have made significant progress to date and this latest announcement is an important step as we move closer to opening in September 2014.

“We look forward to Angela joining us for what is an exciting new educational facility that will produce the next generation of engineers.”

Paul Holmes, automation and mechanical design manager for Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and a UTC Swindon director, said: “We are delighted to be offering Angela the position of principal, as she has tremendous experience and expertise within education and engineering.

“UTC Swindon will create fantastic opportunities for young people, employers and industry and it is important that such an innovative development has strong and inspirational leadership. We are confident that Angela will take on the challenge of creating an exciting new educational facility for Swindon, Wiltshire and the wider region to be proud of.”