Students granted award from Duke of York

Almost 100 students from the Black Country and Staffordshire have been presented with an award by the Duke of York in a ceremony at St James's Palace.

The 16 to 18-year-olds, from both the Black Country University Technical College in Bloxwich and The JCB Academy in Rocester, received the Duke of York Award for Technical Education.

This award highlights the talent and excellence of young people who have chosen technical education and to encourage wider support from parents, businesses and other stakeholders.

Students were recognised with bronze, silver and gold awards, which also recognise completion of work experience placements and the development of important workplace competences such as communication skills, problem solving and taking responsibility.

Bronze and silver awards are based on achievements in GCSEs and level one or two technical qualifications, while the gold award is based on A-levels and level three technical qualifications.

Prince Andrew is patron of Ladder for the Black Country, a campaign launched in the Express & Star which aims to get businesses to take on apprentices and help young people into apprenticeships.

The Duke told the students : "If we want to be a prosperous country in the 21st century it's self evident you have to invest in the skills of young people. We need to give you the best start we can. That's why I am supporting what UTCs are doing.

"This route you have chosen is going to give you more capability and advantage."

Paul Averis, Black Country UTC principal, said: "

I am extremely proud of our young people as they have become skilled, professional enterprising and technically able."