As Gateshead College marks its 80th anniversary, we reflect on the stories of the people who helped shape its past and inspire its future. One of those people is Judith Snaith, who started working at the college in 1972 and remained a dedicated member of staff until her retirement.
Judith’s career with the college began in a pioneering role as the very first telephonist. “At the time, there was no reception or dedicated telephone operator,” she recalls. “I was the first person in that role, answering calls and handling the post.” It was a modest start, but one that set the tone for a fulfilling career for Judith.
As the college expanded, so did her role. She moved from handling calls and post to joining the general office as an examinations clerk, before becoming examinations officer. When the college decided to bring its careers and information services in-house in 1990, Judith was ready for another change. She became the information officer, guiding prospective students with course and progression advice, a role she held until her final years at the college, eventually overseeing a department that included reception, information and careers support.
Judith’s journey mirrored the transformation of the college itself. “When I started, it was mostly apprentices from engineering backgrounds,” she explains. “Over time, we expanded into new areas like computer-aided drafting. The biggest shift was from a purely technical college to one offering a much broader education.”
But it wasn’t just the job that kept Judith at Gateshead College for so many years – it was the people. “There were very few days when I didn’t want to come to work,” she says. “When you feel that way, it doesn’t feel like work.” Being allowed to grow professionally while staying part of the same supportive team was, as she puts it, “a real bonus.”
Beyond the office, Judith was an active member of the staff association, taking part in everything from darts and domino tournaments to themed dinner dances. “We even had a folk group,” she laughs. “We’d play at folk clubs and events and there was a real community spirit.”
And in true celebratory spirit, she recalls crafting a red, white, and blue crepe paper kipper tie for the principal to wear during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. “He wore it all day,” she smiles. “It was our way of bringing everyone together. It worked then, and I’m sure it still does today.”
When asked to describe Gateshead College in three words, Judith doesn’t hesitate: “Friendly, all-encompassing, and forward.”
So, what does she think has kept the college thriving for eight decades?
“A willingness to evolve,” she says. “Gateshead College has always looked ahead, adapting to the careers and opportunities of the future.”
Her advice to today’s staff and students is simple but powerful: “Be kind to one another. Think about others. And do your best, that’s all any of us can do.”
As Gateshead College looks to the future, it does so with a strong foundation built by long-serving staff like Judith—people whose commitment and adaptability helped shape the college into what it is today.
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