Thank a Teacher Day: West Midlands engineers celebrate their FE teacher

Bradley Dodic (now an engineer at Jaguar Land Rover), Chris Harris (now an Operations Manager at Darchem Engineering)and Harry Horton (now an Engineering Apprentice for Lander Automotive), FE alumni from who completed their diplomas in Engineering at Solihull College and University College Birmingham, are few of many who kick started their careers through further education. Their former FE teacher, Rosa Wells, transitioned from a career in aeronautical engineering and now inspires the next generation of engineers by sharing her skills through further education.

This Thank a Teacher Day Bradley, Chris and Harry wants to celebrate the brilliant work FE teachers do preparing people for their careers and share their gratitude for the role Rosa played in kick starting his career.

To mark Thank a Teacher Day, Bradley Dodic, an FE alumnus who completed a Level 4 HNC in Engineering at Solihull College, shares: “Further Education (FE) laid the groundwork for my career, but it was Rosa’s teaching that truly brought it to life. Her industry experience gave our lessons real-world relevance, helping me connect theory to practice from the outset. I’m especially grateful to Rosa for the way she challenged us - she encouraged us to think like engineers, not just students, and that mindset of ownership and initiative has stayed with me ever since.

Being taught by industry professionals brings relevance and inspiration into the learning process. It helps students connect the dots between what they’re learning and the careers they’re going into. FE teaching doesn’t just prepare students for work; it supports their personal growth and confidence.

Today, I work at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) as a Commercial Software Delivery Lead Engineer. I know how influential FE and apprenticeships were in shaping my journey so I’m proud to give back as a STEM ambassador at JLR, supporting the next generation of engineers make their first steps in the industry.”

To mark Thank a Teacher Day, Chris Harris, an HNC Mechanical Engineering graduate from Solihull College and University Centre, reflects on the lasting impact of his Further Education teacher:

“Rosa, my Engineering lecturer and college tutor, played a pivotal role in shaping my career. Her deep experience in the aerospace industry didn’t just inform her teaching - it inspired me to pursue a career in the field myself.

Today, I work as an Operations Manager at Darchem Engineering, applying the very skills I first developed in her classroom. Rosa had a rare ability to tailor her teaching to each student’s needs. She didn’t settle for teaching the average—she challenged us all and kept the content engaging and relevant.

Her influence extended far beyond the classroom. Rosa encouraged us to push ourselves, to stay curious, and to aim higher. Her dedication to education and her passion for the industry has left a lasting mark - not just on me, but on many others who were lucky enough to be taught by her.”

To mark Thank a Teacher Day, Harry Horton, who completed a National Foundation Diploma in Engineering at University College Birmingham, reflects on the positive impact his FE teacher had on his career journey:

"Reflecting on my journey into the sector, I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I received from my FE teachers. Rosa Wells and Rea Saul were both fantastic examples of women in the engineering sector. Their real-world industry experience gave me the skills and confidence I needed to secure my role as an Engineering Apprentice at Lander Automotive.

Rosa, in particular, made a lasting impact - not just in teaching technical skills, but in helping me grow as a communicator, a team player and a problem-solver. Her advice to ‘do what you love and love what you do’ has stuck with me during the early stages of my career.

I believe FE teachers play a vital role in bridging the gap between education and working in industry. They bring learning to life with practical insight and inspire students to aim higher. I hope to one day pass on what I’ve learned and help shape the next generation of engineers .”