Staff Case Study: Lisa Rowntree

Lisa Rowntree, Head of Division - Engineering, York College

What are your experiences and qualifications before coming to teach at York College? Why did you choose to come and teach at a post-16 college?

I studied A Levels in a Tertiary College in my home town of County Durham and then went on to study a HND in Computing at Hertfordshire University (Hatfield Poly), but my heart told me I really wanted to be a teacher in something creative / problem solving ! I was awarded a university prize and offered a job with British Aerospace (BA) in their Engineering Structures Department. They had an excellent graduate training scheme and I was lucky enough to follow the Engineering programme so I moved around all the engineering disciplines and loved every second of it, as well as writing software and delivery IT training on the side! After 3 years with BA, having experienced design engineering & training I knew it was time to re-train as a DT teacher much to everyone’s shock & horror! I trained for 2 years and absolutely loved every second of the course – from the workshops to the classroom … and loved teaching! I wanted to teach post 16 for personal reasons and was very lucky that a job came up at York College, 15 years ago! Although I don’t mind which age group I teach, there is something really special and invaluable about teaching and supporting our country’s young designers and engineers of the future!

What are your qualifications and achievements both personal and professional?

HND Computer Studies (DIST) and BA (QTS) Design Technology

Why did you choose to teach your subject/course?

I chose Design & Engineering because it’s creative and about solving problems, making something real and helping improve lives. It uses and develops almost every skill you can think of; researching, designing, analysing, evaluating, problem solving, time management, team working, hand skills, numeracy & literacy, scientific application, etc. etc. and it’s forever changing and always a challenge and such a reward when it all comes together.

What are your interests outside of college?

Outside of college I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, but I love singing, acting, cycling, swimming, cooking, movies, reading, and I’m always making something or doing DIY!

What are your dreams and aspirations?

To raise a positive profile of engineering and manufacturing with young people and society, to get engineering and manufacturing back on track in the UK and develop young people who will have the skills and confidence to solve the engineering problems of the future.

Please detail you heroes/Inspiration?

My parents … and anyone who lives their life for the benefit of others – whatever they do.

What is the best thing about your job?

Helping someone to believe in themselves and succeed.

Why do you like working at York College?

It’s a community, almost a family, with student support and success at the heart of it.