At Paul Basham Associates, our commitment goes beyond technical excellence in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, and Structural Engineering. We believe in investing in the next generation of Transport Planners and Civil and Structural Engineers. That’s why we are proud to be an Associate Partner with UTC Portsmouth.
About UTC Portsmouth
UTC Portsmouth is a specialised STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) college for students aged 14-19. Alongside delivering GCSEs, A-Levels, and T-Levels, it focuses heavily on mechanical and electrical engineering, advanced manufacturing, and hands-on technical learning delivered with strong employer engagement. UTC Portsmouth prepares students for careers by combining academic learning with practical, real-world skills.
What our Partnership means
As an Associate Partner, we have several opportunities to contribute and engage, which align closely with our Core Values and expertise:
- Employer Engagement: Helping students understand what careers in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, and Structural Engineering involve. We can provide guest talks, presentations, and more, giving students insight into what our day-to-day work looks like, from Highway Impact Assessments to Travel Planning.
- Technical Skills: Sharing our technical knowledge, such as Drainage Design, Embodied Carbon Calculations, and Highway Design with UTC’s students to help provide valuable context around real industry practices, challenges, and the skills required in preparation for when they embark on their career journeys. By sharing our expertise, we aim to inspire and have positive impact on the Engineers and Transport Planners of tomorrow.
- Project Collaboration & Innovation: There is potential for joint projects where UTC students might assist with or simulate aspects of Civil and Structural Engineering. These kinds of collaborations help students apply theory in practical contexts and give us fresh perspectives.
- Raising Awareness of careers in our industry: We can help inspire students to consider careers in sectors that are critical to building sustainable, resilient communities. We aim to raise awareness of the career paths available within our industry and inspire students to pursue careers in Transport Planning and Civil and Structural Engineering.
Why It’s important
- Talent pipeline: There is growing demand for skilled technical professionals in Engineering and Transport Planning. Engaging early with students helps bridge skills gaps and ensures fresh talent is prepared for the pressures of our industry.
- Innovation through learning: Early talent often bring new ideas, curiosity, and the latest thinking about sustainability, digital tools, and social value; all of which help us stay current as a business.
- Community and Long-Term Impact: By helping to educate the next generation, we contribute to stronger local economies and communities. Engineering and infrastructure have social impacts and investing in education helps amplify that.
What we’re doing
We’re excited for our future involvement with UTC Portsmouth which we hope includes:
- Visiting UTC’s events to present on Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, and Structural Engineering careers.
- Offering training and insight presentations.
- Collaborating on technical workshops where students get hands-on exposure to industry practices.
We’re keen to continue expanding this partnership as UTC Portsmouth grows, refining how we support students, staff, and the wider STEM education provisions in Portsmouth and beyond.