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)

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 V&A project. Her story is a brilliant example of how following your interests and making the most of opportunities can help shape an exciting future. Abbie also gives an honest insight into university life, discovering that architecture wasn’t quite the right path for her and bravely choosing Fine Art instead. She shares valuable advice about checking opportunities, believing in yourself, and staying focused on what truly matters. From creating “The Shed Space” school shop to dreaming of opening her own creative community one day, Abbie’s story is full of imagination, determination and inspiration — 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 [https://www.industryready.co.uk/]

15: Meet Opemipo Oyeneye - LDE UTC Alumni & UX Researcher Degree Apprentice (Barclays)

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. learners and parents/carers will gain a fascinating insight into degree apprenticeships, the world of user experience (UX), and how creativity, problem-solving, and confidence can open doors in industries you may never have considered. Ope also speaks honestly about overcoming challenges, staying motivated during COVID, and how supportive teachers and a positive environment helped shape her confidence and ambitions. Full of energy, humour, and brilliant advice, her message is simple: take every opportunity, push yourself to try new things, and don’t be afraid to grow along the way. It’s an uplifting reminder that your future doesn’t have to be perfectly planned—sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them 😊 For exclusive content and for a sneak peek behind the scenes, please visit: https://www.industryready.co.uk [https://www.industryready.co.uk/]

14: Meet Matas Urbonavicius: Alumni & Light Vehicle Maintenance Student

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 figure out your career. learners and parents/carers will hear how the college’s industry-standard equipment and practical learning experiences helped build his confidence and skills for the real world. Matas also talks openly about the challenges he faced, from managing coursework to realising that university wasn’t the right fit for him—and how that led him to a path he truly enjoys. His advice is simple but powerful: find what you love, stay focused, and don’t be afraid to change direction if something doesn’t feel right. It’s a reassuring reminder that there isn’t just one route to success, and that every step you take helps shape your future 😊 For exclusive content and for a sneak peek behind the scenes, please visit: https://www.industryready.co.uk [https://www.industryready.co.uk/]

13: Meet Charlotte Hin: LDE UTC Alumni & Architecture Student (Kingston University)

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 real-world opportunities helped prepare her for university and life beyond the classroom. Charlotte also shares honest insights into university life, including balancing long commutes, managing student finance, and the importance of making the most of every opportunity available. From presenting projects in professional studios to building strong relationships with teachers and classmates, her story highlights how confidence, hard work, and staying open to experiences can shape your future. It’s a positive reminder that every journey is different—and that exciting opportunities can start with one simple decision 😊 For exclusive content and for a sneak peek behind the scenes, please visit: https://www.industryready.co.uk [https://www.industryready.co.uk/]

12: Meet Adeel Khaliq: From LDE Learner to Porsche

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 helped set him apart. Learners and parents/carers will gain a valuable insight into how technical education can open doors and build the confidence needed to succeed in competitive industries. Adeel also reflects on the importance of staying focused, organised, and making the most of every opportunity—from winning engineering competitions to visiting incredible places like CERN. His story is a great reminder that having a clear goal, listening to advice, and putting in the effort can truly pay off. It’s an inspiring listen for anyone interested in engineering or automotive careers—and proof that with the right mindset, you can turn your passion into your dream job 😊 For exclusive content and for a sneak peek behind the scenes, please visit: https://www.industryready.co.uk [https://www.industryready.co.uk/]