Lily Turner

Why did you choose to study at Newcastle College University Centre?

I chose Newcastle College University Centre because of the flexibility it offered. I was able to work shifts alongside studying, which was really helpful.

The support was also a huge factor. It wasn’t just support on the days I was in lessons – I had access to lecturers throughout the week who were there to answer questions and help with assignments. That made a big difference when balancing work and study.

What stands out most about your time at NCUC?

The people.

If you take away the degree itself, the people I met along the way were absolutely amazing and inspiring. There was such a wide range of backgrounds in my class – from those progressing from Foundation Degrees to people who owned their own companies or worked in senior roles in organisations like the NHS. Seeing how the Engineering Management degree aligned with so many different career paths was really interesting.

I also had fantastic support from the lecturers. Dave, in particular, was incredibly knowledgeable, approachable and understanding of the demands of fitting university around full-time work.

What does your current role involve?

I work as a Maintenance Technician at a leading car manufacturer. My main responsibility is keeping the production line running.

That includes preventative maintenance, planned checks and being proactive wherever possible. When breakdowns happen, it’s about responding quickly, solving problems efficiently and getting everything back up and running. Problem-solving is a huge part of the role.

What skills from your degree do you use in your current role?

There are a lot of skills from the course that I still use every day. Presentation skills were a big one, especially on an Engineering Management degree. Presenting is a huge part of the role, so getting comfortable speaking in front of people and learning how to communicate at the right technical level was invaluable.

Communication more broadly has been essential – knowing how to adapt how you speak depending on someone’s role within the company. Being approachable and professional at the same time is something I developed during my time at NCUC and continue to use in my day-to-day work.

How important is it that Newcastle College continues to champion women in STEM?

Women in STEM is something I’m extremely passionate about. In fact, my dissertation focused on why there aren’t enough women in leadership positions within manufacturing.

When I first started in my department, I was the only woman. Six years later, there are four of us – and that’s amazing to see. I’ve spent time going into schools and attending events to promote STEM careers, and if I’ve influenced even one person during that time, I’d be really proud of that.

Manufacturing is still male-dominated, particularly in leadership roles, but it’s important to change the perception that women won’t feel comfortable in those environments. The industry has changed massively. It’s not just a ‘dirty job’ anymore – it’s highly technical, innovative and an exciting place to be, especially with developments like electric vehicles and wider technological advances.

Women absolutely belong in manufacturing. We can do the same job to the same standard, and we can work successfully as part of the same team. For me, it’s about changing that perception and showing what’s possible.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering or manufacturing – particularly women?

My main advice would be: just go for it.

You’re going to make mistakes along the way – especially in maintenance – but that’s how you learn. It’s all about learning from those experiences and developing your skills.

You never know until you try. You might love it. And even if you decide it’s not for you, at least you can say you gave it a go.

Three words to describe your time at NCUC?

Flexible. Inspiring. Insightful.