Joanne Hillyard
Engineering Technician
From hairdresser to a key role helping engineering learners...
"The best bit is working with youngsters. I enjoy working with young people and I get satisfaction from helping them. So much so, I am doing an evening course to find out more about what they do in their courses."
Joanne Hillyard is a part-time Engineering Technician who joined the College in November 2005. She works in the stores, supporting engineering students.
"I am a hairdresser by trade, but I realised some time ago that I wanted to work with young people in an educational environment. I order goods and prepare electrical accessories for students - everything from cables to circuit boards."
"There are lots of ways you can extend yourself at Northampton College. For example, I wanted to know more about the projects our students are working on. I wanted to understand what the accessories are for, how they are used, how they work together. That way I might be able to be more helpful."
"The College was very supportive, they are strong on personal development. I am now doing an evening course two nights a week - the pre-apprenticeship course for electricians. I am very proud of what I am achieving. As to the future, I don't see myself teaching, but I do want to get into an assisting role."