Sixteen-year-old Kyle Harbourne graduated from UTC Leeds in summer 2019 and is now on a higher apprenticeship with world-renowned Cummins Turbo Technologies in Huddersfield. We interviewed Kyle on GCSE results day 2019:
“I’m really pleased with my results. I got higher than I expected. I was particularly pleased with maths because I got a 7 and I just needed a 6 for my apprenticeship.
“I’d gone down the music and art route in my previous school but I’d always been interested in engineering, then I saw this opportunity to come to UTC Leeds. I jumped at it because I like mechanical things. I like to fix things and build my own things as well.
“There’s a lot of space to find something you’re particularly interested in if you study engineering.”
Kyle feels that the decision to UTC Leeds proved to be a good one:
“I was nervous but positive when I first came here and I’ve had a good time. It was a good decision. I wouldn’t have done what I’ve done without coming here. It’s broadened the spectrum of things I can do.”
Kyle has secured a highly sought-after higher apprenticeship at Cummins Turbo Technologies in Huddersfield and will be studying a Level 4 HNC qualification with Appris in Bradford. He may also have the opportunity to go on to a degree supported by Cummins.
He found the apprenticeship searching online. He knew of Cummins because they are famous for designing and making engines for trucks worldwide. Kyle was interviewed for the apprenticeship and had to provide a “3D CV” with examples of his skills, so he was able to bring in items he had made at the UTC.
“I wouldn’t have gained my apprenticeship at my old school – for a start I wouldn’t have been trained on lathes and all the other machines.”
