meet the expert
At Hull College, our learners benefit from being taught by people who understand their industries and the opportunities they offer.
Our teaching teams combine extensive professional experience with a passion for education, bringing their knowledge of the workplace into the classroom and specialist training environments. That expertise helps ensure learners develop the practical skills, knowledge and confidence they need to take their next steps.
Nick Marshall
Institute of Digital Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced Automotive Studies
Tell us about your role at Hull College.
My department covers Automotive, Fabrication and Welding, Electrical Installation and Engineering, at all levels.
I manage the staff team and make sure our learners get the best possible experience at the college. My job is to ensure the quality of the department is up to standard and that we are fully compliant.
I also have to make sure we have a curriculum in place that is fit for purpose, combining the traditional skills that remain important to industry with the forward-thinking skills our learners will need for the future.
Before joining Hull College, what experience did you gain working within industry?
I’ve got more than 20 years in industry behind me, as well as 18 years in education.
I left school when I was 16 and started on a YTS in 1988. I then got an apprenticeship as a plater in the oil and gas industry and had an amazing time doing that.
From there, I worked with some big manufacturing companies as part of their maintenance teams, looking after site facilities.
I came into education when I was 36 as a learning facilitator, then became a tutor, programme manager and curriculum lead. I’ve since progressed through a range of senior roles, including secondments as a Director of Quality and Associate Principal, as well as becoming a head of department.
Throughout my career, I’ve also been fortunate enough to travel to places including Finland, Russia, South Africa and Abu Dhabi.
The opportunities Further Education has given me have been amazing. I think that’s why I’m so passionate about the job, and why I thoroughly love what I do.
How do you ensure your teaching keeps pace with the latest industry developments?
It’s vital we keep pace because, fundamentally, we’re developing the skills and employees of the future. That means we need to understand not only the technology that is changing our industries now, but also what employers are going to need from their workforce in the years ahead.
We have to stay up to speed with developments such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and modern manufacturing techniques, while also having a really strong understanding of the regional landscape and the opportunities being created here.
A big part of that comes from working closely with industry. We’re involved in different working groups and have regular conversations with employers and partners, which gives us an insight into how their needs are changing and the skills they’re going to require.
Technology is moving incredibly quickly, so there will always be a challenge in keeping pace. But those relationships help us make sure our curriculum remains relevant and that we can talk to our learners with real knowledge about where their industries are heading.
How important is it that learners train using industry-standard technology like Greenwave?
Again, it’s vital. When our learners are applying for jobs and apprenticeships, they can articulate why they are interested in engineering or electrical installation because they’ve already developed practical skills and experience working in those areas.
Learning in great facilities with industry-standard equipment stimulates interest and raises aspirations. Then, when those career opportunities arise, our learners are ready to grasp them.
It’s all about equipping our learners with the skills, knowledge and attributes they need to be successful.
How closely do you work with employers when developing training and preparing learners for work?
We’ve definitely improved our engagement with employers in recent years. We have a number of key stakeholders and, for me, it’s about building longstanding, positive relationships.
We work with a diverse range of employers across the region, and it’s about working with the right companies and organisations in a collaborative and trusted way.
It takes time to build that trust, but I believe that’s the best way to do it. The employers that work with us are really passionate about doing so and about helping us prepare learners for the opportunities ahead.
What excites you most about the future of your industry?
From an industry perspective, it’s exciting to see the advances in technology and everything that’s happening across the region. But what really excites me is what a privilege it is to be able to influence and change people’s lives.
We can help people build successful careers in well-paid technical jobs, which is so important both for them and for the region.
Fundamentally, being able to make that difference is what excites me most.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing learners do well.
It’s so rewarding to see them progress and go on to get those jobs. I also get great satisfaction from being part of an anchor institution such as Hull College and the difference it can make to the city and the wider region.
It makes me exceptionally proud, and also very humble, to do what I do.
If a prospective student was considering studying with Hull College, what would you say to them?
Work hard, try your best and be outstanding.
No matter what level you’re at, or how old you are, everyone has the ability to work hard and try their very best. If you do those two things, you can be outstanding and create a positive future for yourself.
Our job is to support you to be just that.
Learn More About Greenwave
The Humber is at the heart of the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy, bringing significant opportunities for the region and the people who live here.
At Hull College, we have an important role to play in making sure people are ready to take advantage of those opportunities. We work closely with employers to understand how their needs are changing, then use that insight to shape our curriculum and investment.
Through our green skills provision, we’re connecting education with industry and preparing learners for rewarding careers in a rapidly changing economy.
