At UTC Portsmouth, we are proud to be a destinations-led college. While we celebrate the strong academic performance of our students, we are focused most on where it leads them - towards meaningful careers, new opportunities, and futures that have transformed from dreams into achievable goals.
That’s why Destinations Week, which took place from 17th - 20th March 2025, is such an important part of our calendar. It’s a week dedicated to expanding horizons, building confidence, and connecting students directly with the people and organisations who could help shape their next steps.
Throughout the week, students took part in a range of tailored sessions designed to support them in making informed choices about their future:
How to Pick a University and Course – delivered by the University of Portsmouth
University vs Apprenticeship – an insightful comparison led by Assistant Principal Mr Blandford
Aspirational UCAS Applications – covering Oxbridge, Medical, and Veterinary pathways, from Assistant Principal Mrs Dickens
Using LinkedIn – A Complete Overview – hosted by our Marketing Manager, Mrs Holdstock, supporting students in building a professional digital presence.
We were particularly proud of a session delivered by our students, for our students - “How to Succeed at an Assessment Centre”. Having recently navigated the apprenticeship application process themselves, a selection of our Year 13 students shared their experiences, strategies, and reflections.
Tuesday saw the return of our Employer Partners Careers fair - a key part of Destinations Week, where students engaged directly with some of our Employer Partners including: the Royal Navy, the University of Portsmouth, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, EATON, QinetiQ, University of Southampton, Carnival UK, Southampton Solent University, Knights Brown, Griffon Hoverwork and Rolls-Royce.
Events like this allow our students to explore future destinations in a real-world context, ask meaningful questions, and start building professional networks that can help shape their careers.
On Wednesday, over 230 Year 10 and Year 12 students took part in our annual Mock Interview Day. Supported by 40 professionals from our Employer Partners and local businesses, the day gave students a vital opportunity to refine their interview techniques, receive personalised feedback, and develop confidence. We extend a huge thank you to all those who gave their time and expertise - it would not have been possible without them.
Destinations Week is more than just a timetable of events - it helps our students make key decisions on their futures. Our specialist STEM curriculum is shaped around industry need, and thanks to the continued commitment of our Employer Partners, we’re able to offer students a unique insight into the world of work.