Why Gateshead College’s Industry-Led Training Made All the Difference

As Gateshead College celebrates its 80th anniversary, few stories reflect its hands-on, industry-led ethos quite like that of Rhys Donald.

Starting his journey as an apprentice through the Ford Engineering Academy, Rhys built a solid foundation of practical skills, mentorship, and confidence that has carried him into his current role as Product Development Manager at IPS Flow Systems, where he leads the Sampling Inline Valves division.

“The Academy’s industry-led curriculum gave me hands-on experience and real-world insight,” Rhys recalls. “It was a practical, immersive way to learn—far beyond what a textbook could offer.”

One of Rhys’s standout memories from his time at Gateshead College was crafting a plumb bob in engineering. “It might seem like a small thing, but it was the first time I realised I could create something from raw materials with my own hands. That moment really summed up what Gateshead College is about: building confidence, unlocking potential, and showing what’s possible with time, patience, and great tutoring.”

After completing his traineeship, Rhys progressed to an advanced apprenticeship with Ford Aerospace. Thanks to the solid foundation he’d built, the transition was seamless. He credits much of his growth to the mentorship he received—particularly from Geoffrey Ford, Chairman and MBE, whose passion for developing young talent left a lasting impression.

“Geoff believed in me and over 30 other students. His support made a real difference,” Rhys says. He also remembers the guidance of Gateshead lecturer Anthony Jeff, whose advice “check twice, machine once”, has stayed with him throughout his career.

The apprenticeship gave Rhys a deep understanding of the workplace. He developed technical skills like precision machining and quality control, alongside essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management. “Working on real projects helped me understand industry expectations and gave me the confidence to solve problems independently and as part of a team.”

What Rhys appreciated most about Gateshead College was its informal, industry-led approach. “The training wasn’t rigid or overly academic, it was shaped by people with real experience, and the work we did was directly relevant to what I was doing in the workplace. That made all the difference.”

Of course, there were challenges. Rhys initially struggled with time management, balancing college work with practical responsibilities. But with support from tutors, he learned to manage both and progressed more smoothly than he expected.

Since completing his apprenticeship, Rhys’s career has grown steadily. Now in a leadership role, he applies everything he learned—from technical expertise to health and safety, which is critical in his industry. “The foundation I built at Gateshead College has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today.”

Looking back, Rhys is keen to share his advice with those just starting out, “My biggest piece of advice is to make the most of every opportunity. Whether it’s getting involved in extracurricular activities, supporting career events, or simply offering your time to help others, each experience counts. And if you’re ever unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask. Stay curious, ask questions, and seek help when you need it. That’s how you grow.”

As for the future, Rhys hopes Gateshead College will continue to do what it does best “I’d love to see the college keep focusing on industry-led training. That’s what sets it apart, its commitment to real-world learning and its ability to adapt to the needs of both employers and students. It’s what’s made Gateshead College thrive, and I hope it continues for many years to come.”

Reflecting on his journey, Rhys sums up his experience “If I had to describe Gateshead College in three words, they would be: Skilled. Ambitious. Welcoming. Being part of the college’s legacy is something I’m incredibly proud of. It gave me the foundation to grow both personally and professionally, and to now be part of its history—especially during such a milestone celebration—is a real honour.”