Where technical expertise meets leadership skills: engineering management at Newcastle College

“In such a male-dominated environment as the automotive manufacturing sector, I need to have the knowledge and skills to be able to manage teams of people with confidence,” says Lily Turner, who works as a maintenance technician at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK in Sunderland. “I don’t want to become an accidental manager. I want to know that I’m qualified for the job.” 

Lily is just one of the students using the unique BSc (Hons) in Engineering Management at Newcastle College to shape their careers.

It’s a one year top-up degree that builds on the Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership and is designed for learners seeking to advance their engineering careers as they upgrade their foundation degree to a bachelor’s. Accredited by CMI, the degree not only enhances technical expertise, but provides students with a strong management foundation – and equips them with essential leadership skills from product development to project management and productivity.

• How I help to encourage more women and girls into engineering careers

The course is taught by industry-experienced tutors and features guest speakers from top employers, including the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Baker Hughes, Rosen, Definition UP, Accuris and a number of other key organisations. 

“I can’t sit still”

Having completed a five-year apprenticeship, Lily holds a foundation degree but sought further qualifications to bolster her management aspirations. 

“In my role, you don’t necessarily need a degree to progress, but I’ve always been interested in management,” she explains.

Balancing her self-funded studies with a demanding four-days-on, four-days-off continental shift schedule, Lily attends classes on Fridays, using holidays and time off in lieu to keep up with her coursework. 

“It’s very busy at the minute, especially with electrification and new models coming out. So, it’s a challenge, but I enjoy learning. I can’t sit still – I always need to be improving myself,” she says.

• “Leading by example” as a woman in military defence engineering

One of her key takeaways so far from the nine-month course has been the opportunity to learn from peers in various industries, including the NHS, Siemens and construction firms.