Nats becomes parnter of UTC Portsmouth

The Whiteley-based company will support UTC Portsmouth which will offer 14 to 19-year-olds the opportunity to specialise in technical education.

University of Portsmouth pro vice-chancellor Professor Paul Hayes has welcomed the news. He said: ‘It is excellent that Nats is onboard as one of the industry sponsors because the school is all about focusing on students learning through the development and delivery of projects that are directly relevant to the needs of industry.

‘Another key employer partner will strengthen further the exciting curriculum.’

UTC Portsmouth aims to increase the number of young people with the skills to become future engineers.

The project already has support from the Salterns Academy Trust, BAE Systems, QinetiQ and Land Rover BAR.

David Hawken, director of engineering at Nats, said: ‘We’re delighted to support the new UTC in this exciting new development. Engineering covers a wide scope and plays a key part in the air traffic management industry’

Led by the university, the Royal Navy and Portsmouth City Council, the school will open next September.