Maddison Taylor

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I’ve always had an interest in engineering. My dad’s an engineer so I grew up around it and was naturally curious about how different machinery works. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and hands-on tasks, so engineering felt like the right path for me. Taking the apprenticeship route has been a great way to build on that interest while gaining real experience and developing skills in a professional environment.

How did you hear about Newcastle College? Did you attend an Open Day before starting at the College, or did you find out another way?

I first came across Newcastle College while researching different engineering courses online. Engineering is a key focus at the College, and I was really impressed by what I saw. They’ve got great facilities, modern machinery and a strong reputation for industry training. I didn’t attend an Open Day, but I knew from people already working in the sector that it was a great choice for apprentices looking to build proper skills and experience.

Why did you choose to study at Newcastle College? And what made you decide to enrol on an apprenticeship through the College?
I chose an apprenticeship because it gives me the chance to learn so much more than just a job. Instead of only studying theory from a textbook, I get hands-on experience and a real understanding of the full manufacturing process. It’s a brilliant way to develop my career - especially in the engineering sector, where there are so many exciting opportunities! Newcastle College stood out because of its strong links with industry and its reputation for supporting apprentices in engineering and manufacturing.

Did you choose to study at Newcastle College directly, or did you apply through your employer?
I applied through my employer, Turnmill Engineering, who have a great partnership with Newcastle College and really encourage apprentices to grow and develop through training.

Can you tell me a bit about your experience studying at Newcastle College?
It’s been a really positive experience! My tutors are approachable and genuinely invested in helping me do well. The learning is practical which makes it easier to apply what I’ve learned in real-work scenarios. Being able to combine College learning with on-the-job experience has made a big difference to how quickly I’ve developed.

What kinds of advice and support have you received from your college tutors, support staff, or the apprenticeship team while studying your course? How much support would you say you have received through your employer?
I’ve had a lot of support from both sides. When I’m in College, tutors are always available if I’ve got questions or need extra guidance. At Turnmill, the support has been amazing. It feels like one big team as everyone’s willing to help and there’s a real culture of continuous improvement. Our Operations Director, Andrew Howe, has been a fantastic mentor to me, walking me through different stages of projects and making sure I understand what’s expected. I also get regular mentoring from Rachel Skeoch at Truenorth, which has been really valuable for my personal development.

Have you received any kinds of extra support or guidance from staff at Newcastle College during your time here?
Yes, I’ve had extra guidance from my tutors when I’ve needed it, particularly around some of the more technical elements of the course. They’re really good at breaking things down and helping me build up my confidence at my own pace.

How much would you say you have benefitted from learning from industry-experienced tutors at Newcastle College?
It makes a huge difference! The tutors have real industry experience, so they’re able to explain the content they teach in a way that’s relevant and practical. They understand the challenges we face on-site and can tailor their advice to help us apply it in the real world.

How do you feel that your apprenticeship is benefitting / has benefitted you?
My apprenticeship has definitely helped me develop both technically and professionally. Thanks to my time at Turnmill, I’ve built a solid understanding of engineering principles, improved my problem-solving skills and grown in confidence. I’ve also had the chance to work on high-profile projects, like reverse engineering a component for Marelli and even visited their site to meet their engineering and production teams. Experiences like that have given me a much broader view of the engineering industry, which will stand me in good stead for my future career.

What do you enjoy the most about your apprenticeship?
I love the variety and the fact that I’m always learning something new. I enjoy getting stuck into real projects and seeing how everything fits together, such as design and technical drawings through to manufacturing. It’s also great working alongside experienced engineers who are happy to share their knowledge!

What has been the highlight of your time studying at Newcastle College?
A standout moment was working on the Marelli reverse engineering project. Matching the technical drawing to the photo and understanding the component’s function was a great challenge. Visiting their site and seeing how the wider production system works really brought everything to life.

What are your ambitions after you finish your course and further into the future?
I’m particularly interested in reverse engineering, design and innovation. Long-term, I’d love to explore opportunities in the subsea sector, which has a lot in common with the automotive industry in terms of technology and innovation. Being part of a fast-moving industry really excites me.

What would you say to anyone thinking of studying an apprenticeship with Newcastle College?
Go for it! An apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience and a real understanding of how things work in the real world, not just in theory. You’ll gain practical skills, learn from skilled people and have the support you need to grow your career.

Describe your experience at Newcastle College in three words.
Supportive. Practical. Inspiring.

What are your top five tips for studying at Newcastle College?

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
2. Learn from the people around you
3. Stay organised
4. Speak up if you need help
5. Get involved in wider industry events.