Industry Ready

Technical Education Skills Trust

From the Technical Education Skills Trust; the operator of London Design & Engineering UTC, LDE UT6th Form, Engineering Skills College, East London Furniture Institute (ELFI), and the Industry & Educators Exchange (IndEX). Hear from our incredible learners, industry partners and get to know the people behind the scenes.

  1. 3d ago

    24: Meet Alex Palaghia: From A Levels to a Disney Apprenticeship

    This is the official podcast from Technical Education Skills Trust, the operator of London Design & Engineering UTC, LDE UT6th Form, Engineering Skills College, East London Furniture Institute (ELFI), and the Industry & Educators Exchange (IndEX).   In this episode of Industry Ready, we meet Alex, one of our Year 13 learners, as he reflects on his journey through A Levels in Psychology, Computer Science, and Maths. Students and parents/carers will hear how Alex made the most of the college’s strong employer connections, taking part in exciting projects with organisations such as Google and applying classroom learning to real-world challenges. From developing innovative ideas using AI to exploring the Google campus, Alex shares how these experiences helped him build confidence, broaden his perspective, and prepare for life beyond college. Alex also speaks honestly about the challenges of adapting to A Levels, developing a stronger work ethic, and learning the importance of taking opportunities when they arise. With a data analyst apprenticeship at Disney already secured, he reflects on the teachers, friends, and experiences that helped shape his journey. His story is a brilliant reminder that hard work, resilience, and saying “yes” to new opportunities can open doors to an exciting future—and it’s sure to leave you smiling 😊 For exclusive content and for a sneak peek behind the scenes, please visit: https://www.industryready.co.uk

    24: Meet Alex Palaghia: From A Levels to a Disney Apprenticeship
  2. Jul 17

    23: Meet Isabella Bilewu Year 13 Learner In Aviation

    This is the official podcast from Technical Education Skills Trust, the operator of London Design & Engineering UTC, LDE UT6th Form, Engineering Skills College, East London Furniture Institute (ELFI), and the Industry & Educators Exchange (IndEX). In this episode of Industry Ready, we meet Isabella, one of our inspiring Year 13 learners, as she reflects on her journey studying Aviation at LDE UTC and shares how stepping outside of her comfort zone helped shape her confidence and future ambitions. Students and parents/carers will hear about the exciting industry-focused experiences that brought learning to life, from creating airline projects and meeting guest speakers from the aviation sector to building professional connections and developing real-world skills. Isabella also shares how getting involved in open evenings helped her grow in confidence, teamwork, and communication. Isabella speaks honestly about balancing long journeys to college, managing coursework deadlines, and learning the importance of resilience, organisation, and staying consistent. With dreams of becoming a pilot for Emirates or British Airways, she offers brilliant advice to new learners about making the most of opportunities, building friendships, and never being afraid to try something new. It’s a warm and uplifting episode full of ambition, growth, and inspiration — and sure to leave you smiling 😊   For exclusive content and for a sneak peek behind the scenes, please visit: https://www.industryready.co.uk

    23: Meet Isabella Bilewu Year 13 Learner In Aviation
  3. Jul 10

    22: Meet Zainab Adesina Year 13 Learner Engineering Her Future

    This is the official podcast from Technical Education Skills Trust, the operator of London Design & Engineering UTC, LDE UT6th Form, Engineering Skills College, East London Furniture Institute (ELFI), and the Industry & Educators Exchange (IndEX). In this episode of Industry Ready, we meet Zainab, one of our inspiring Year 13 learners, who shares her exciting journey through Sixth Form and her passion for engineering. Students and parents/carers will hear how Zainab combined A-Level Maths, Physics and Mechanical Engineering with a huge range of extracurricular opportunities, volunteering, and industry projects — all while developing confidence, resilience, and a clear vision for her future. From designing solutions with industry partners to winning the Jack Petchey Award for Continuous Service, Zainab’s story highlights the power of hard work, curiosity, and making the most of every opportunity. Zainab also reflects honestly on balancing a demanding timetable, learning when to say “yes” — and when to slow down — and how stepping outside of her comfort zone helped her grow into a confident young engineer. With dreams of using engineering to help people through healthcare, robotics, and sustainability, her passion for making a difference is truly inspiring. This episode is a wonderful reminder that confidence grows through experience, opportunities are there for the taking, and believing in yourself can lead to incredible things 😊   For exclusive content and for a sneak peek behind the scenes, please visit: https://www.industryready.co.uk

    22: Meet Zainab Adesina Year 13 Learner Engineering Her Future
  4. Jul 3

    21: Meet Anas Mahmoodi Year 13 Learner Ready For Industry

    This is the official podcast from Technical Education Skills Trust, the operator of London Design & Engineering UTC, LDE UT6th Form, Engineering Skills College, East London Furniture Institute (ELFI), and the Industry & Educators Exchange (IndEX). In this episode of Industry Ready, we meet Anas, one of our inspiring Year 13 learners, who shares his incredible journey studying the T-Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing. Students and parents/carers will hear how Anas grew in confidence, discovered new strengths, and embraced opportunities that helped shape his future — from representing the college in the Royal Navy Junior Leaders Field Gun Competition to completing work experience in Cyprus and securing a degree apprenticeship in construction management. His story is a brilliant example of how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to exciting opportunities and personal growth. Anas also reflects honestly on how much he has changed since joining LDE UTC, developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that he never knew he had. With valuable advice about saying “yes” to opportunities, building confidence, and believing in yourself, this episode is full of motivation for young people preparing for their next steps. It’s a positive reminder that hard work, courage, and a willingness to try new things can truly shape your future — and maybe even surprise you along the way 😊   For exclusive content and for a sneak peek behind the scenes, please visit: https://www.industryready.co.uk

    21: Meet Anas Mahmoodi Year 13 Learner Ready For Industry
  5. Jun 26

    20: Meet Anvya Bernard: Year 13 Learner in Engineering

    This is the official podcast from Technical Education Skills Trust, the operator of London Design & Engineering UTC, LDE UT6th Form, Engineering Skills College, East London Furniture Institute (ELFI), and the Industry & Educators Exchange (IndEX). In this episode of Industry Ready, we meet Anvya, one of our inspiring Year 13 learners, who shares her journey studying the T-Level Engineering course with an electronic specialism. Students and parents/carers will hear how Anvya embraced new opportunities, built confidence, and discovered her passion for engineering through hands-on learning, exciting industry placements, and even work experience abroad in Cyprus. From repairing cars to working on electrical systems, her story highlights how technical education can help young people discover what they truly enjoy and prepare for exciting careers. Anvya also reflects on the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, making the most of every opportunity, and believing in yourself. As the only girl on her course, she shares how the supportive college environment helped her grow in confidence, leadership, and communication skills. With aspirations to pursue electronic engineering in the future, Anvya’s story is a brilliant reminder that saying “yes” to opportunities can lead to amazing experiences and exciting possibilities 😊   For exclusive content and for a sneak peek behind the scenes, please visit: https://www.industryready.co.uk

    20: Meet Anvya Bernard: Year 13 Learner in Engineering
  6. Jun 5

    17: Meet Bradley Ukwunna: A Year 13 Learner on Growth, Ambition and Being Intentional

    This is the official podcast from Technical Education Skills Trust, the operator of London Design & Engineering UTC, LDE UT6th Form, Engineering Skills College, East London Furniture Institute (ELFI), and the Industry & Educators Exchange (IndEX). In this episode of Industry Ready, we meet Bradley, one of our Year 13 learners, who reflects on his unique journey through LDE UTC. From joining in Year 9, exploring different interests, and later returning to complete his A Levels, Bradley shares how the college helped him grow in confidence, discover his strengths, and become more intentional about his future. Learners and parents/carers will hear valuable insights about choosing subjects for the right reasons, making the most of opportunities, and developing skills that go far beyond the classroom. Bradley also talks about the teachers who inspired him, the experiences that helped shape his ambitions, and his plans for the future, including university and apprenticeship opportunities. His honest reflections on personal growth, public speaking, friendship, and finding his own path offer plenty of encouragement for young people preparing for their next steps. It’s an inspiring reminder that success comes from being true to yourself, working hard, and embracing every opportunity that comes your way 😊 For exclusive content and for a sneak peek behind the scenes, please visit: https://www.industryready.co.uk

    17: Meet Bradley Ukwunna: A Year 13 Learner on Growth, Ambition and Being Intentional

About

From the Technical Education Skills Trust; the operator of London Design & Engineering UTC, LDE UT6th Form, Engineering Skills College, East London Furniture Institute (ELFI), and the Industry & Educators Exchange (IndEX). Hear from our incredible learners, industry partners and get to know the people behind the scenes.