The Assistant Head at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Ashbourne and a former mechanical engineer has been appointed Vice Principal Designate at Derby Manufacturing University Technical College which will open in September 2015.
Shobha Tynan will take up her post this summer – joining Principal Designate Philip Morris.
Mrs Tynan is a mechanical engineering graduate and worked in industry for six years before moving into teaching.
At the Ford Motor Company she developed the use of crash simulation software which significantly reduced the costs of vehicle testing.
She then progressed to trim development engineer at Nissan where she worked with an international team of engineers on the design of exterior and interior door mirrors.
Mrs Tynan then re-trained as a Maths teacher – working in secondary schools in Bedfordshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Her senior role at QEGS has included responsibility for strategic planning of the careers education and guidance programme, development of vocational pathways for students and implementation of the school improvement processes.
Mrs Tynan said: “Derby Manufacturing UTC will take the lead in promoting the value of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to our students – providing successful scientists and engineers for the future.
“I am passionate about retaining and expanding the manufacturing industry in Derby and the East Midlands and it is vital that we produce skilled engineers in order for the region to build its manufacturing capability.
“Employers will play a key role in the UTC. Their input will ensure that the curriculum is relevant for industry and their involvement in the planning and delivery of employability skills will ensure young people are well equipped for the workplace.”
Derby Manufacturing UTC Principal Philip Morris added: “Shobha’s engineering background and more than 20 years’ experience in education makes her the perfect person for the Vice Principal role at the UTC.
“Recruitment of the teaching staff is underway as we countdown to the opening of the UTC this September with our first students in years ten and twelve.
Construction work is progressing on the new purpose-built UTC campus on Pride Park which is due to be completed by August 2015.
Contractors BAM Construct UK are building the £8 million centre which has been designed by Maber Architects.
Derby Manufacturing UTC is a partnership between Derby College, the University of Derby, Rolls-Royce Plc, Bombardier, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, Derby City Council and a wide range of supply chain employers working in local manufacturing and engineering.
The UTC will have capacity for up to 600 young people aged 14 to 19. They will study core GCSE’s, A levels and engineering qualifications enhanced by project based learning, work placements, employer site visits and industry expert lectures.
For more informationVisit the website Like the Facebook page Follow on Twitter
