Our two UTC Reading teams have done themselves proud, achieving second place in the prestigious REME Engineering Cup 2025 final.
Held on Wednesday 21 May at Lyneham Barracks, the event was the culmination of a specialist engineering project that formed part of the BTEC Extended Diploma curriculum. As part of Unit 5 – A Specialist Engineering Project – UTC Reading partnered with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) to give Year 13 students the opportunity to tackle a real-world military engineering challenge.
Earlier this year, REME visited UTC Reading to brief students on the project: redesigning an element of the Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle (CrARRV). The students were then invited to REME Lyneham Barracks for a guided tour, hands-on assessment of the CrARRV, and insight into the world of military engineering. Drawing on lessons from their coursework, students were tasked with proposing innovative modifications to improve the vehicle’s design.
Four teams from UTC Reading entered the Engineering Cup challenge, and two teams were selected as finalists, competing against students from three other colleges.
The finalists representing UTC Reading were:
- Team 1: Aleksa Kovacevic, Thomaz Martins Urbano and Jayan Dennis
- Team 2: Abhijay Shinh, Amaan Khan and Eldar Jamalli
Finalists spent the day immersed in military engineering experiences, including a visit to the REME Museum, a live tank recovery demonstration featuring the CrARRV, and formal project presentations. The event concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of all participating teams.
Team 2 earned an impressive second place, with student Eldar Jamalli receiving special recognition from REME soldiers for his outstanding presentation and technical knowledge.
Reflecting on the experience, student Abhijay Shinh said:
“Taking part in the REME final and presenting our improvement on the CrARRV was an incredible experience. I’ve learned so much about military engineering, teamwork under pressure, and how small innovations can make a big impact. I’m really proud of what my team achieved and grateful for the opportunity to represent our college. Coming second was a huge honour, and the feedback we received will definitely help me grow as an engineer.”
Jamie Chandler, Director of Design, Engineering & Technology at UTC Reading, praised the students’ achievement:
“I am exceptionally proud of all the students within the DET department at UTC Reading, but the Year 13 students have ended their educational journey with us on a high with this second-place achievement. Over half of the students attending have studied with UTCR since Year 10 and it is a pleasure to have taught them and seen their knowledge and skills develop over the four years. Let this success contribute to the growing celebrations at UTCR and achievements of the DET department students, which are growing rapidly.”
This accomplishment not only highlights the skill and determination of UTC Reading students, but also reflects the college’s strong emphasis on industry engagement and hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world engineering careers.
