THE new University Technical College for Swindon has had a funding boost of £80,000 as it prepares to open its doors in September.

Looking to lead the way in local engineering, the new UTC is welcoming the opportunity to work with a variety of partners to give the next generation of engineers the best start for the future.

The money has been donated by Dialog Semiconductor, a registered UK company based in Germany, which specialises in circuitry.

As a manufacturer of energy-efficient mixed-signal circuits, Dialog Semiconductor has donated £40,000 to UTC Swindon for specialist equipment, as well as an additional £40,000 for the first academic year.

The company, founded in 1981, has had a presence in Swindon since 2009.

The business creates integrated circuits for personal portable, short-range wireless, lighting, display and automotive applications.

UTC Swindon principal Angela Barker-Dench said the donations had come as a momentous boost to the college ahead of the September opening.

“Our business partners are helping us create engineering courses in a genuine workplace environment,” she said.

“This tremendous donation from Dialog Semiconductor has greatly enhanced the technological facilities we can provide, and will go a long way to helping our students get the best possible education.

“Partnerships between colleges and industry are at the heart of government thinking behind University Technical Colleges. This is a great example of such a partnership in action.”

Catering for 600 students aged 14 to 19, UTC Swindon will provide courses for young people to gain the necessary skills across all the diverse sectors of the engineering industries.

Dialog Semiconductor said it was committed to supporting the development of young people, and was glad to encourage the aspirations of local engineers.

One of its employees was recently named NMI Young Engineer of the Year, while another won the NMI National Training and Development Award.

Rebecca Fradley-Stokes, the company’s head of corporate social responsibility, said: “We are always keen to support local engineering, bringing new talent into the industry and supporting the growth in engineering in Swindon, due to the engineering heritage of the town.

“We are involved globally with projects to encourage young engineers,” she said.