Ashley Teasdale

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student, Northumbria University Newcastle

Ashley began his engineering journey at South West Durham Training (SWDT), the College’s partner specialist engineering facility located in the heart of Aycliffe Industrial Estate, following completion of his GCSEs. Ashley enrolled onto the Level 3 Diploma in Engineering two-year programme with a view to progressing into higher education. The Student Progression team supported Ashley with the UCAS application process including his personal statement. Ashley attended regular career meetings and he was delighted to be offered a place at Northumbria University Newcastle on the Mechanical and Civil Engineering foundation course.

Ashley said “My Level 3 Diploma at SWDT has prepared me with the knowledge and practical skills to apply engineering principles to real-world problems. I have always been interested in design and technology and really enjoyed the modules of microcontroller systems, AutoCAD and pneumatic and hydraulic systems. I had regular meetings with the Student Progression team to help me understand the UCAS application process and they helped me put the key points together for my personal statement. I have commenced a mechanical and civil engineering foundation year which will be followed by a further three years full-time and the opportunity of a fourth-year placement or study abroad. The foundation year will help me decide on the area I would like to specialise in. I am really enjoying my Uni experience, meeting new people and excited to begin the next stage of my career plan.”