‘I treat this building as if it were my own’

The Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) opened its doors to students five months ago, creating a world of new opportunities in the fields of digital technology and mechatronics.

Dave Marris, Facilities Officer at Sewell Facilities Management, has been based on site since August and opens the school from Monday to Friday, as well as being on site to carry out planned and reactive maintenance tasks.

This can include everything from water checks and deliveries, to adjusting doors and maintaining the underfloor heating system.

Dave, who previously worked as Facilities Officer at Victoria Dock Primary School in Hull for 18 months, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to take care of a building where students have such fantastic opportunities available to them.

“I’m really proud of it and we all take great pride in our work because we care. I look after it as if it were my own and I want people to have that wow factor every time they walk in.

“The staff and students are brilliant, and they know me as a familiar face around the school. They know they can knock on my door, or leave a note, because no job is too small.”

Developed by Hull Esteem and built by Sewell Construction on behalf of Hull City Council, the employer-led school is packed with £1.6 million of cutting edge technology.

Dave is supported on site by Facilities Officer Richard Wilson and the cleaning team, with presence on site from 7am to 7pm. The Sewell Facilities Management Customer Care Team is also on hand to coordinate additional help at any point.

Mark Ollerenshaw, Vice Principal at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “Dave and the whole Sewell Facilities Management team feel like part of the school and the Ron Dearing team, and they have since the start.

“They fit in so well and have great relationships with everyone. It’s absolutely apparent their key motivation is making sure everything is right for the pupils so they can get on with their learning and the school day.

“Everything is done straight away to the best possible standard and we have the upmost confidence in the whole team. They are really flexible and, whatever we need, they respond and there’s never a problem.”