Three generations of one family connected with EEG – that stretches from the 1960s to the present day. Wendy and Roger both studied at West Suffolk College in the 1960s, then their children Phil and Richard have worked there for many years and, finally, Phil’s children Ethan and Eva have also studied at West Suffolk College.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
Roger Stittle: I joined in January 1961 enrolled onto the Motor Vehicle course under an Apprentice at Manns of Saxham (Claas). My teachers were Mr Ward, Mr Woods, and Mr Sharpe. After 12 months the course was altered to Agricultural Engineering, due to all students working at agricultural employers such as Manns, Cornish and Lloyds, Barclay Motors, Mann Egertons. The course finished in the summer of 1965. I had to attend as an apprentice engineer with the company I worked for. The course shaped my career as an engineer/mechanic for over 50 years until 2011.
Wendy Stittle: As part of my work as a Junior Clerk at Partridge and Wilson they supported me to attend on afternoon day release. This was in 1963 – 1965, and I did RSA Stage 1, 2 and 3 Commercial Course including Typing. It involved 2 exams taken at WSC and the 3rd at County Grammar School (Northgate Annexe).
Phil Stittle: I started employment at WSC in Aug 2001 in the marketing team, with responsibility to support business development/short courses. I applied for an advertised position, wanted to develop my career and felt the College was a good place to do that. During this time, I completed a Certificate in Marketing qualification. I transitioned to the Apprenticeship Team in 2003 and continued in that role until 2006 when I left to join another College.
I returned in July 2015 where I was in the Business Development Manager role, and I continued in that role until January 2025, where I started a Major Infrastructure and Skills Growth role. The College has played a vital role in my career development, providing training and support that enabled me to gain the experience and skills necessary to perform my role effectively.
Richard Stittle: I have been with EEG for over a decade. I started as a Business Development Executive and have since held the roles of Business Development Manager, Head of Business Development and now Group Director of Business Development. I had worked in Further Education for seven years previously and wanted a new challenge at a new college. My current role as Group Director of Business Development has developed from leading the Apprenticeship team in a more commercial direction than had previously happened at the College.
Ethan Stittle: I was on a Level 3 Computer Games Design and Development course for 2 years (2022 – 2024). I chose to study here as it had the widest range of courses for me to choose from with a high reputation.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
Roger Stittle: Trips: the visit to Howard Rotavator Works in West Horndon, Essex. We got to see the foundry where they cast the steel gears in the gearbox. Also, we visited Ford at Dagenham.
Phil Stittle: Enjoyed all the people that have gone to build the College and make it what it is. Really enjoyed receiving the Ofsted Outstanding grade!
Richard Stittle: I think seeing an employer that I have closely worked with win the Colleges’ Employer of the Year category at the Apprenticeship Awards is my stand-out moment. It was really pleasing to see the joint hard work we had put in be rewarded.
Wendy Stittle: Just enjoyed my time studying.
Ethan Stittle: Definitely the trips we went on: going to a gaming convention that showcased a load of different games that were being released was awesome
Are there any other family members who have connections to EEG?
Phil Stittle: My grandad was stationed at Suffolk Regiment in 1942-43 and lived in Victoria Street. My son and daughter have both completed Junior Chef and Junior Stylist courses, before both going on to study here (Games Design / Hairdressing).
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
Phil Stittle: It’s great to see the College has made 100 years – so many people that have passed through and developed their futures, careers, contacts, friends, businesses etc.
Roger Stittle: The course stood me in good stead for my engineering careers for future years to come.
Wendy Stittle: Congratulations for being such a great supporter of the community and changing people’s lives!
Ethan Stittle: There are so many opportunities waiting here, definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Phil Stittle: Understand the history and deliver on the future – ‘Make a difference’!
Roger Stittle: Work hard and pay attention to achieve what you want in your future. It’s not school, it’s serious next steps in your life.
Richard Stittle: For any future students….if you have the passion and drive to succeed, EEG will make sure your potential is fulfilled and your future is outstanding.
Ethan Stittle: Just have fun!
Wendy Stittle: Study hard, work hard and you will succeed.
