Industry Ready

24 Episodes
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By: 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.

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23: Meet Isabella Bilewu Year 13 Learner In Aviation
23: Meet Isabella Bilewu Year 13 Learner In Aviation episode artwork
#23
Today at 12:00 AM

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...


22: Meet Zainab Adesina Year 13 Learner Engineering Her Future
22: Meet Zainab Adesina Year 13 Learner Engineering Her Future episode artwork
#22
07/10/2026

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 vi...


21: Meet Anas Mahmoodi Year 13 Learner Ready For Industry
21: Meet Anas Mahmoodi Year 13 Learner Ready For Industry episode artwork
#21
07/03/2026

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 Le...


20: Meet Anvya Bernard: Year 13 Learner in Engineering
20: Meet Anvya Bernard: Year 13 Learner in Engineering episode artwork
#20
06/26/2026

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...


19: Meet Ala'a Khamouch: Year 13 Learner In Craft & Design
19: Meet Ala'a Khamouch: Year 13 Learner In Craft & Design episode artwork
#19
06/19/2026

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 Ala’a, one of our inspiring Year 13 learners, who shares her journey studying the T-Level Craft & Design Furniture Making course at LDE UTC. Learners and parents/carers will hear how Ala’a stepped outside of her comfort zone, built confidence, and embraced exciting industry experiences — from working on real furniture-making projects to being recognised at the...


18: Meet Aadam Imtiaz: A Year 13 Learner Building His Future
18: Meet Aadam Imtiaz: A Year 13 Learner Building His Future episode artwork
#18
06/12/2026

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 Aadam, one of our Year 13 learners, as he reflects on his journey through college and shares how studying a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction has helped shape his future. Learners and parents/carers will hear about exciting industry experiences, including site visits with Mace, hands-on placements, and how practical learning...


17: Meet Bradley Ukwunna: A Year 13 Learner on Growth, Ambition and Being Intentional
17: Meet Bradley Ukwunna: A Year 13 Learner on Growth, Ambition and Being Intentional episode artwork
#17
06/05/2026

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...


16: Meet Abbie Luthano: From LDE to Oxford Fine Art (and Turning Creativity into Opportunity)
16: Meet Abbie Luthano: From LDE to Oxford Fine Art (and Turning Creativity into Opportunity) episode artwork
#16
05/29/2026

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 Abbie, one of our inspiring alumni, who shares her journey from studying at LDE to now studying Fine Art at Oxford. Learners and parents/carers will hear how Abbie explored her creativity through Built Environment, Graphic Design and exciting real-world opportunities, from architecture competitions and mentoring programmes to having her artwork displayed through a...


15: Meet Opemipo Oyeneye - LDE UTC Alumni & UX Researcher Degree Apprentice (Barclays)
15: Meet Opemipo Oyeneye - LDE UTC Alumni & UX Researcher Degree Apprentice (Barclays) episode artwork
#15
05/22/2026

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 Opemipo (Ope), one of our inspiring alumni, who is now working as a UX Researcher at Barclays through a degree apprenticeship. Ope shares her journey from joining the college in Year 10 to discovering opportunities in design, technology, and research—showing how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to exciting and unexpected career paths. le...


14: Meet Matas Urbonavicius: Alumni & Light Vehicle Maintenance Student
14: Meet Matas Urbonavicius: Alumni & Light Vehicle Maintenance Student episode artwork
#14
05/15/2026

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 catch up with Matas, one of our alumni, as he shares his journey from college to finding the right path for his future. From studying engineering and aviation to exploring university and then choosing a more hands-on route in light vehicle maintenance, Matas gives an honest and refreshing insight into what it really means to...


13: Meet Charlotte Hin: LDE UTC Alumni & Architecture Student (Kingston University)
13: Meet Charlotte Hin: LDE UTC Alumni & Architecture Student (Kingston University) episode artwork
#13
05/08/2026

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 speak with Charlotte, one of our talented alumni, who is currently completing her Architecture degree at Kingston University. Charlotte reflects on her journey from joining the college in Year 12 to discovering her passion for architecture through courses in Built Environment, Art, and Graphics. Learners and parents/carers will hear how industry-focused projects, creative learning, and...


12: Meet Adeel Khaliq: From LDE Learner to Porsche
12: Meet Adeel Khaliq: From LDE Learner to Porsche episode artwork
#12
05/01/2026

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 catch up with Adeel, one of our inspiring alumni, who has turned his passion for cars into a career in the automotive industry. Now working at Porsche after graduating in Automotive Engineering from the University of Hertfordshire, Adeel shares how his journey began at the college and how hands-on learning, industry-standard equipment, and real-world experiences...


11: Meet Huma Wasim: Aerospace Engineering Student & Alumni
11: Meet Huma Wasim: Aerospace Engineering Student & Alumni episode artwork
#11
04/24/2026

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 catch up with Huma, one of our inspiring alumni, who is now studying Aerospace Engineering at City, St George’s University of London. Huma shares her journey from joining the college in Year 12 to discovering her passion for STEM subjects, and how the unique mix of academic study and industry experiences helped shape her next st...


10: Meet Rosie Scott: Alumni & Games Art Student (From Opportunities to Industry)
10: Meet Rosie Scott: Alumni & Games Art Student (From Opportunities to Industry) episode artwork
#10
04/17/2026

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 catch up with Rosie, one of our inspiring alumni, to hear about her journey from college to studying Game Art at Escape Studios. Rosie shares how finding the right environment helped her grow in confidence, make meaningful friendships, and discover her passion for digital media. Learners and parents will gain a great insight into the o...


09: Meet Will Thompson: Chief Quality Officer for London Design & Engineering UTC (40 Years in Education)
09: Meet Will Thompson: Chief Quality Officer for London Design & Engineering UTC (40 Years in Education) episode artwork
#9
04/10/2026

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 Will, the college’s Chief Quality Officer, who brings a wealth of experience from nearly 40 years in education. From his journey as a teacher and headteacher to now supporting quality, leadership, and staff development at the college, Will shares what makes this learning environment so unique. Learners and parents will gain insight into how th...


08: Meet Sharna Rolle: Head of Apprenticeships for London Design & Engineering UTC (From Deli Counter to Leadership)
08: Meet Sharna Rolle: Head of Apprenticeships for London Design & Engineering UTC (From Deli Counter to Leadership) episode artwork
#7
04/03/2026

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 Sharna, Head of Apprenticeships for the Engineering Skills College, and explore the exciting world of apprenticeships and career pathways. Sharna shares her journey from working in employment and training to leading apprenticeship programmes, supporting learners of all ages to develop real-world skills in areas like civil, digital, and landscape engineering. Learners and parents will...


07: Meet David Hughes: Chief Finance & Operations Officer (The Man Behind the College Operations)
#6
03/27/2026

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 David, the college’s Chief Finance and Operating Officer, and discover the important role he plays behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. From managing budgets and IT systems to ensuring the college buildings are safe and ready for learning, David shares how all the different pieces come together to support students and st...


06: Meet Gloria Gold: LDEUTC Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead)
06: Meet Gloria Gold: LDEUTC Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead) episode artwork
#5
03/20/2026

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).

During this episode, you'll meet Gloria, Deputy Head (Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead) at LDEUTC, who has been part of the College since the very beginning. Gloria talks about her role in supporting learners’ wellbeing, safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, and personal development, and why strong relationships with students and families are at the heart of her work.

She shares her own ed...


05: Meet James Culley Chief Technology Officer & Digital Media Teacher (Star Wars Superfan & Creator)
05: Meet James Culley Chief Technology Officer & Digital Media Teacher (Star Wars Superfan & Creator) episode artwork
#8
03/13/2026

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 sit down with James, Chief Technology Officer and Digital Media teacher at the college, to explore his inspiring journey into education and technology. From playing a cinema organ at 12 to helping shape innovative learning experiences for learners today, James shares how creativity, curiosity, and a love of technology can open exciting career pathways. Learners and...


04: Meet Furnaz Ahmed: LDEUTC Deputy Headteacher (Teaching & Learning)
04: Meet Furnaz Ahmed: LDEUTC Deputy Headteacher (Teaching & Learning) episode artwork
#4
03/06/2026

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, you'll meet Furnaz, Deputy Head (Teaching & Learning) at LDEUTC, who leads on the quality of education across the College. Furnaz shares her journey from training as an architect to finding a long-term passion in teaching and leadership, and explains how curriculum, creativity, and wellbeing all play a key role in supporting learners.

She reflects on the importance...


03: Meet Kenan Drugzani: LDEUTC Head of School for Years 9, 10 and 11
03: Meet Kenan Drugzani: LDEUTC Head of School for Years 9, 10 and 11 episode artwork
#3
02/27/2026

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, you'll meet Kenan, LDEUTC Head of School for Years 9, 10 and 11. Kenan shares his journey into education, from studying biochemistry and working as a biomedical engineer to discovering a passion for teaching and leadership within the College.

He talks about the importance of challenge, belonging, and supporting young people to feel confident and secure in their learning. With...


02: Meet Victoria Webb: Head of School for the LDEUTC Sixth Form (and Biker Extraordinaire)
02: Meet Victoria Webb: Head of School for the LDEUTC Sixth Form (and Biker Extraordinaire) episode artwork
#2
02/20/2026

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, you'll meet Victoria, Head of School for the LDEUT6 Form. Victoria shares her role in supporting learners’ wellbeing, leading curriculum across the College, and maintaining high standards that help learners succeed.

She reflects on her journey into education, the importance of encouragement and confidence, and why learners are at the heart of the College community.

Th...


01: Meet Geoffrey Fowler: CEO & Principal of London Design & Engineering UTC (and Tractor lover)
01: Meet Geoffrey Fowler: CEO & Principal of London Design & Engineering UTC (and Tractor lover) episode artwork
#1
02/13/2026

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 the first episode of Industry Ready, you'll meet Geoffrey, CEO and Principal of the College. Through a relaxed and engaging conversation led by learners and hosted by Sonya, you'll hear quick-fire favourites to thoughtful reflections.

Geoffrey shares his journey into education, his role in creating the College, and what drives his passion for providing young people with the best...


Industry Ready : Season 1 Trailer
#1
01/28/2026

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).

Industry Ready is launching very soon, and over the coming episodes, you’re going to hear from our incredible learners, our industry partners……and you’ll get to know the people behind the scenes, our staff!

Our "Exceptional" Ofsted results speak for themselves, but what truly sets us apart is the atmosphere in our buildings. It’s a culture built on care, i...