A senior designer for McLaren has been named as the principal of a University Technical College (UTC) at Silverstone due to open in September.
Neil Patterson, aged 43, has worked for McLaren Automotive Ltd in Woking for the past 13 years and has been heavily involved with the production of Mercedes-Benz SLR Mclaren Roadster, MP4-12C Coupe and the recently launched 12C Spider.
Mr Patterson will take up the position of Principal Designate in March 2013 and will work with the UTC’s partners and governors to develop a curriculum and oversee the construction of the £10 million campus located at the Silverstone Circuit on land gifted by the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC).
Adam Waterfield, chair of Silverstone UTC board of governors, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Neil to the Silverstone UTC to take us through this pivotal stage in the introduction of a brand new way of learning for young people in and around Northamptonshire.
“Neil will be working with the main sponsors to ensure that we develop links with key employers to provide the best possible opportunities for UTC students.”
Mr Patterson said: “I’m thrilled to have been appointed to this role, and I hope to give everyone involved the opportunity to excel.
“I’m already getting stuck in to what is a challenging and exciting project, which includes building the brand new £10m facility.
“My experience of building high performance teams and efficient, effective processes will stand me in good stead, and I hope to make a McLaren shaped mark on the college.
“My first task, however, is to assemble a team of highly effective staff at the top of their game and looking for an environment in which they can thrive and develop so they deliver the absolute best education for our students.
“I’m look forward to working with local and national employers who will benefit from being able to help shape the curriculum so the UTC can develop our students to be highly employable young people, achieving their fullest potential.”
The Silverstone UTC was one of 13 proposals in the whole country that was approved by the Department for Education as part of the first phase of UTCs.
Building work for the new £10m school has now begun following a ground-breaking ceremony last month and is expected to be completed by September.
The application has been led by Tresham College of Further and Higher Education and partners The University of Northampton and Silverstone with support from Northamptonshire County Council and South Northamptonshire Council.
Parents and carers of children that will be moving into Year 10 or 12 in September 2013 who would like to express an interest in applying to the Silverstone UTC can visit www.utc-silverstone.co.uk to complete an application form or find out more.
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