Courtney Davison left Energy Coast UTC in 2021 after completing both school and sixth form studies and has since embarked on a successful engineering career as a Level 3 Apprentice Pipe Welder with West Cumberland Engineering, training through Lakes College.
Courtney attended Energy Coast UTC between 2018 and 2021, studying a range of subjects including Construction, Engineering, History, Maths, English and Science. He was attracted to the UTC because it offered a refreshing alternative to mainstream education, with specialist subjects that aligned more closely to her interests and future ambitions.
One of Courtney’s favourite aspects of the UTC was its smaller size and positive learning environment. He felt that students got along well and benefited from a more supportive atmosphere. He also enjoyed the practical construction and engineering lessons, as well as opportunities to engage with visiting employers and industry professionals.
After leaving the UTC, Courtney completed a college course before progressing into an apprenticeship. He credits the UTC with introducing him to engineering and giving him her first experience of welding during Year 11. That experience sparked an interest that ultimately led him to pursue welding as a career.
The hands-on learning opportunities available at the UTC proved particularly valuable. Courtney believes working with machinery and practical equipment gave him experiences that many students in traditional schools do not have access to. These skills, combined with interview preparation and improved communication skills, helped him secure her apprenticeship and thrive in the workplace.
When asked to describe her time at Energy Coast UTC in three words, he chose:
Good. Helpful. Different.
Securing an apprenticeship is the achievement Courtney is most proud of since leaving education, and he believes the UTC played an important role in helping him reach that goal.
Courtney’s Reflection
“Attending Energy Coast UTC was a good experience, providing me with both practical work skills and education that played a role in me choosing my career.”
