Learners, alumni, and staff of LDE UTC were recently treated to a special event at 10 Downing Street, where they had the opportunity to meet Akshata Murty, a highly successful businesswoman and advocate for women in STEM. The event was also attended by Baker Dearing Trust founder Lord Kenneth Baker.
The attendees were given a tour of the iconic rooms of 10 Downing Street, including The White Room, the office of Magaret Thatcher, and the Cabinet Room. They were able to sit in the same seats where former Prime Ministers and current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have sat to discuss important decisions with world leaders.
One Year 12 learner, Bo, shared their excitement about the opportunity to visit 10 Downing Street, saying, "It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity." The learners and alumni also had the chance to discuss their achievements with Mrs Murty and Lord Baker. The conversations highlighted the fantastic work that learners and alumni have accomplished, including exciting projects completed with leading companies such as Costain, Thames Water, Skanska, Morrisroe, Sky, British Airways and AstraZeneca.
During these discussions, Mrs Murty and Lord Baker showed a keen interest in the experiences of the learners and alumni, showcasing their vast experience in many fields. Year 11 learner Abbie, who won BBC Young Artist of the Year, spoke about her experience presenting her achievements at 10 Downing Street, saying, "Mrs Murty was very receptive- despite everything that's going around her she was just so down to earth person and welcoming."
| Geoffrey Fowler, CEO and Principal said, “It is an enormous privilege to have the work of our learners and alumni recognised by inspiring figures such as Lord Baker and Mrs Murty. Opportunities such as these will forever be remembered by learners, staff and alumni and no doubt inspire them to continue the amazing work they are doing. Thank you to Mrs Murty for such a memorable day and we hope to soon welcome to visit our college!” |
The event also included the presentation of a gift to Mrs Murty and Lord Baker. The gift was a 5000-year-old handcrafted Bog Oak frame containing a group photo celebrating International Women’s Day for 2023. This gift was presented to thank Mrs Murty for inspiring women in industry and Lord Baker for his commitment to industry-led education.
The Bog Oak used in the frame has a unique provenance dating back 5000 years to when the Fenlands were once a vast forest of magnificent oaks. Rising sea levels flooded the area causing the trees to fall into the water and lie submerged and often, perfectly preserved. The resource is finite; a reminder of the fragile nature of our planet and how close we are in Great Britain to catastrophic change because of conditions thousands of miles from our shores.
Overall, the event at 10 Downing Street provided an amazing opportunity for learners, alumni, and staff to meet with influential and inspiring figures, showcasing the fantastic work they have accomplished and the potential for future success.
