Archie Hughes

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background etc?

I live in Hexham, which is a little while away but my main reason for wanting to study rail is because of my uncle. He works on the rails as a COS and he really enjoys is, and he said it pays well to!

With me living so far away I’ve had to experiment with different routes in, I used to get up at 5am and get the bus in, which took around 2.5 hours. However, my mum works in Long Benton, so I get a lift and then get the Metro. To get to the Rail and Civil Academy, its not as bad as it could be!

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 came for a welcome day, but other than that no. I was just looking at courses and my uncle said Rail, so it helped me refine my Google search. I applied online and then came to enrol on campus. When I came for the welcome day, I spoke to a lot of the tutors and I remember Brad saying ‘it’s a lot of practical work and you’ll get to be involved in different trips and industry visits’ which really stood out.

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

I just Googled and spoke to my uncle about it. Lecturers did mention that companies do approach the College for students to recruit which is a massive thing because I just want to get working as quick as possible, to be honest with you. The industry-connections, Brad, has some of his old managers coming in to pick some people up, so we’re going to be involved in a practical so hopefully I impress them.

How would you describe the advice and support you received from college and your tutors? Have you had any support for our Central Support Team – Pastoral support?

If I need anything I’ll be in earlier in the morning before college starts, and if I need a hand with anything I’ll go ask Brad or Patrick and they’re always happy to help me. I definitely feel confident to talk to my tutors, which is always nice.

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

So we have Patrick who teaches Maths, and he’s a genius, Brad who has worked on track for a while and then we had Niel who had over 30 years’ worth of experience.

Did you look into financial support available from the college? If so what were they and how did they help?

I did try to get a bursary however, I only qualified for the lowest amount.

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

I wasn’t really that great at maths but Patrick has really helped me, he would sit and give me 1-to-1 help and keep going over something until I really understood it.

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

Probably the practicals – we recently did a s sleeper change and it was really good because it gives us an idea of what is actually going to happen on track. I got put in charge of that practical for my group, which was really rewarding. We managed to get it done a little quicker than the other groups too!

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

First of all its giving me a qualification, even if I don’t get an apprenticeship or an opportunity while I’m here, when I leave its going to be a lot easier for me. Or I could go to University.

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

No, not at the moment but they did bring in people from Cross Country saying that they are going to organise a big event but that hasn’t happened yet.

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

I was thinking about studying a degree, but I would like it if I could do it alongside work. To be honest, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to have more qualifications.

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

I think it’s a good idea, especially if you aren’t going to go to Sixth Form or anything – might as well get a qualification in something you enjoy rather than sitting at home doing nothing. The Rail and Civil Academy has great facilities for example, there’s a massive track and you have your own campus, and the tutors are great too.

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