Phil Stacey

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background etc?

My name's Phil, I study here at the Automotive Academy and I’m 17 years old. Originally, I wanted to study Plumbing at the Construction Academy but I didn't achieve the grades, so when I found out I could join a Vehicle Maintenance course at the Automotive Academy, I decided to go for it! I’ve always been interested in cars from being young, so this seemed like a good opportunity to explore my interests in more depth.

How did you hear about Newcastle College? Did you attend an Open Day prior to starting at the College? If so, did you find it useful?

I heard about Newcastle College from my secondary school. My teachers there would talk about the different local colleges in our area (Tyne Met, Newcastle College and Gateshead College) and we went on class visits to all of them, but I thought Newcastle College was the best fit for me.

I came to an Open Day before enrolling and I found it really useful! The tutors I spoke to were all welcoming and gave us a tour of the Automotive Academy facilities, so I knew exactly where I would be working and what I would be doing.

What made you decide to come to the College and enrol on the course you selected?

My first impression was that Newcastle College was a really good college that genuinely wanted to help me to achieve my goals in life and help to propel me along my chosen career path. I'm happy that the rest of my experience here has proven how right that first impression was!

How would you describe the advice and support you received from college and your tutors? Have you had any pastoral support for our Central Support Service (CSS) Team?

If you ask for help, the tutors would go out of their way to help you and give you support. They will keep pushing you to your limits because they know you can achieve whatever you want to achieve and they just want you to do well.

Do you have any tutors who have industry experience? If so, how has this helped you?

Yes, all of my tutors have industry experience. It’s good because their experience helps to show what I might come across in my own future career, unlike in school when I'd have a teacher who has no practical industry experience in whatever subject they're teaching -  staff at Newcastle College have actually been out in the industry, so I think you can understand and trust them more.

Have you overcome any challenges while on your course? If so how has the college helped you?

I was struggling with revising and my tutor would keep sending me notes and messages encouraging me to study. It really helped me and its helped me achieve the grades I need.

What do you/did you enjoy most about your course?

I think what I enjoy the most is the people I’m around and the jokes that I've had with my friends – no one ever takes it too far and its just a really nice environment to study in.

How do you feel that the course has/is benefitting you?

After I’ve completed my Level 1 course, I'm planning to transfer across to the Construction Academy to study Plumbing, which is what I wanted to study first. The good part is that, even if my plans don't quite work out, thanks to my Level 1 qualification in Automotive, I can go and work in a garage, which I’d enjoy too.

Have you done any work experience or a work placement as part of your course?

We’ve had Mercedes visit and a local body and paint company came in to talk us through how to tint windows and other useful skills. That was really interesting because it helped us all understand what its like to work in industry.

What would you like to do when you finish your course? Would you consider studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

When I finish my Level 1 course, I'm going to study a Level 2 Plumbing course. I want to be plumber in the Army because my grandad used to be one, and he used to tell me all of these amazing stories. I want to travel around the world and see all of these incredible countries, like he did.

What would you say to anyone thinking of studying a course with Newcastle College?

Be prepared for a lot of written work and pay attention in practical classes because you’ll learn a lot from it. You’ll learn about engines and how to replace one, spark plugs, how to remove airbags – if you want to be a mechanic it’s a great route to go down.

Top tips

Turn up on time for college

Don’t muck about in class

Pay attention

Listen to tutors

Don’t waste your time!