Young Burnley talent praised by the Duke

Students from UTC Lancashire in Trafalgar Street were guests at St James’s Palace in London, for the Duke of York Technical Awards ceremony hosted by His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.

Desai Nabeela scooped a gold award and Toibi Toland, Ben Parkinson, Oliver Fawcett and Declan Boultonall took silver and were congratulated by the Prince when he presented them in the special ceremony. Afterwards he told the students: “In the 21st century we are going to need skilled, educated people – you will have that skill and mental acuity to succeed in more than you would ever imagine.

“Congratulations on what you have achieved, good luck and enjoy your time left in education.”

It is the third year the Duke has presented the awards, which are given to students from University Technical Colleges studying technical subjects and succeeding in criteria including communications skills, problem solving and taking responsibility.

Nomination for the Duke of York Award for Technical Education is based on successfully completing work experience placements, academic achievement and developing workplace skills.

The University Technical College in Burnley is a technical secondary schools for 14 to 18 year olds which has a broad curriculum that combines an academic education with technical and practical learning.

It has equipment and technology to provide an environment where students can thrive and develop the skills employers need. It is backed by local and national employers such as Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Network Rail and Microsoft, as well as small and medium sized businesses.