PRINCE Andrew, the Duke of York, will visit UTC Swindon on Monday.

He will meet the UTC Swindon board of directors before the group is joined by headteachers from secondary schools across Swindon. Sponsors and partners of the college, including UTC Swindon directors from Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and Oxford Brookes University, will also be attending.

After meeting key stakeholders, The duke will be shown around the college site by principal Angela Barker-Dench. During the tour he will also meet a small number of students.

Angela said: “This is another historic moment for UTC Swindon. “This college is going to be iconic in the world of engineering, equipping young people with the skills to pursue careers in engineering in all its diverse forms.

“HRH has a passion for engineering, manufacturing and apprenticeships. “His core values and beliefs regarding skills in the workplace coincide directly with what UTC Swindon will be doing.”

As patron of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, the duke encourages support from parents, businesses and other stakeholders. He supports enterprise-focused education and helps providers promote the opportunities they offer.

The Duke’s visit comes two weeks after the founder of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust and former Home Secretary, The Right Honourable, Lord Baker of Dorking, was shown around the UTC Swindon site. UTC Swindon will occupy a £10m state-of-the-art building.

Youngsters can apply for a place at UTC Swindon, which will cater for 600 students aged 14 to 19, by emailing info@utcswindon.co.uk or by downloading the application form from www.utcswindon.co.uk.

For more information call 07990 601 516.