A Spencer Group apprentice-turned-Quantity Surveyor is helping to shape the future of University Technical Colleges (UTCs) and inspire the next generation of students after being appointed to a national UTC Alumni Board.
Oliver Walkington has been appointed as the Vice Chair of the newly established UTC Alumni Board which has been launched by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, a national charity which supports, advocates for and develops UTCs.
The Board is composed of nine alumni from UTCs across the country who have progressed to blossoming careers in a wide variety of sectors. Board members will guide strategic planning, build meaningful ties with employers and strengthen the bridge between education and industry, whilst also providing insight and guidance to current students.
Oliver joined Spencer Group in 2020 as a Commercial Apprentice and is now a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor after graduating from Leeds Beckett University in the summer. He joined the business after studying at Hull’s employer-led school, Ron Dearing UTC, which Spencer Group co-founded along with a number of other leading business in the city.
The 23-year-old said: “I’m really keen to give something back to the UTC students who are now in the position that I was six years ago.
“When you’re in school and starting to think about your future career, it can be overwhelming, so I want to help current students who may be a little bit lost and unsure what the future looks like for them by sharing my experiences and some of the things I’ve learnt along the way.
“One of our goals as the UTC Alumni Board is to engage with young people, provide more exposure to the variety of industries and career pathways, and empower them to make informed decisions about their future.”
The launch of the Board coincided with #thinkUTC Week, an annual initiative driven by Baker Dearing Education Trust to showcase the top-tier technical education provided by UTCs.
Oliver and fellow Board members visited UTCs during the week, to speak to students about their personal journeys and share details about the Board’s mission, with Oliver returning to his alma mater to speak to classes in Years 10 and 13.
During the sessions Oliver shared his journey from Ron Dearing student to qualified Quantity Surveyor and shared tips on what employers look for, how to prepare for the world of work and how to make the most of the unique opportunities a UTC offers.
He also hosted a Lunch and Learn session on Quantity Surveying for students in all year groups who wanted to learn more about what a career in the field looks like.
He said: “UTCs provide opportunities that students don’t get at any other school or college, they not only give students the technical knowledge and qualifications but crucially they help them become employable and develop the transferable skills employers want.
“The close relationship with employer partners also opens doors and helps put UTC students a step ahead of others. Building relationships with people who already work in the roles you aspire to, and getting an inside look at businesses through work placements and school activities is so beneficial.”
Oliver joined Ron Dearing UTC’s Sixth Form in 2018 and completed A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, as well as a Cambridge Technical in Engineering.
Upon finishing Sixth Form he secured a Commercial Apprenticeship with Spencer Group and has progressed to secure a full-time role as a Quantity Surveyor within the business. He is now also completing a Masters of Laws (LLM) in Construction Law with the support of Spencer Group to further his career and develop a solid understanding of dispute avoidance methods in construction methods.
Alongside his role on the UTC Alumni Board, Oliver is also mentoring two new Commercial Apprentices who started with the business in September, guiding them through their apprenticeship and giving them a friendly, familiar face to turn to for support as they transition into employment.
Spencer Group’s HR Director, Yvonne Moir added: “We’re extremely proud of our relationship with Ron Dearing UTC and are passionate about providing opportunities for the next generation, a passion which we are delighted to see many of our colleagues such as Oliver share.
“Since joining us five years ago Oliver has flourished in his career and has been a hugely positive addition to the Spencer Group team. We know he will also be an asset to UTC Alumni Board and we look forward to seeing the positive influence he’ll bring to the Board throughout the year.”
