Lord Winston to inspire audience at UTC Open Evening

Lord Robert Winston will inspire the healthcare professionals of the future when he gives a special talk at an event to promote the new Health Futures University Technical College (UTC).

The leading fertility doctor and scientist will give an overview of his own career journey and will talk about why the NHS and health sector is a good career choice for young people today.

His talk will form part of an Open Evening for the new UTC, of which the University of Wolverhampton is a sponsor, and will be the one of first in the UK to have healthcare and health sciences as its specialism.

There will also be a chance for would-be students and their families to talk to UTC Principal Robert Fell and meet partner organisation representatives, including healthcare professionals such as nurses, paramedics and pharmacists.

Mr Fell: “This is a great opportunity for young people to find out more about how the new UTC can help shape their future career. There are some really exciting opportunities available to them and there will be exhibitions and experts available to help them make their decision.

“To have a speaker of Lord Winston’s calibre will make for an interesting and inspirational addition to the evening and we are very much looking forward to welcoming him.”

Health Futures UTC will prepare students for, and allow them direct insight, into a wide range of health careers such as nursing, paramedic services, radiography, pathology, physiotherapy and pharmacy within the NHS and private sector. Aimed at 14-19 year-olds, it will have a strong focus on science and healthcare but cover traditional subjects at GSCE and A-Level as well as practical and technical qualifications.

In addition to the University of Wolverhampton, the UTC is also partnered by the West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy, amongst 23 employer and educational partners including NHS Foundation Trusts in the Black Country and Birmingham.

Mark Olliver, superintendent pharmacist at The Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy, added: “As part of the open evening our colleagues will be on hand to offer their personal insight into their own career journeys. We look forward to working alongside the staff and students at the UTC to deliver real-life experience through vocational opportunities in community pharmacy sites."

The Open Evening is aimed at Year 9 and 11 pupils looking for a future career in the health sector. It will take place at the Banqueting Suite at the Council House in Central Birmingham from 5pm-7.30pm on Monday March 2. Places are limited and should be booked in advance via the website www.healthfuturesutc.co.uk.

ENDS

For media inquiries please contact the University of Wolverhampton Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.