We are grateful to Thomas Saxby (OH 2005-15) who recently spoke to our aspiring Sixth Formers who are considering Engineering pathways after Hymers.Tom left Hymers after studyng Maths, Physics and Product Design. He is the Dry Fibre Technical Lead at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Composites Centre, where he leads research and technical delivery in advanced dry fibre composites manufacturing for the Aircraft and Defence Industries. His expertise spans 3D Weaving, Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP), and Braiding, with a focus on developing industrially relevant processes that deliver high-performance, sustainable composite solutions.

Tom kindly shared some words with our students who are considering an engineering pathway:

At Hymers, I always enjoyed subjects where I could apply what I was learning, so Maths and Physics made sense, and Product Design gave me the creative, hands-on side. Looking back, I think Product Design really shaped how I think as an engineer,  it’s not just about equations, it’s about solving problems and making something real.

When it came to applying to university, I remember how overwhelming it felt all these choices, entry requirements, and personal statements. The biggest thing I’d say is: make your application personal. Don’t just list achievements  explain why you enjoy the subject. For me, I talked about how I liked problem-solving and how engineering let me turn ideas into something real. It’s fine if you don’t have loads of work experience yet talk about projects you’ve done in Product Design, any practical things you’ve built, or even hobbies that show curiosity and perseverance. Also, look beyond just the course title. Every uni structures engineering differently. Some focus more on theory, some on hands-on design. Go to open days, ask current students they’ll give you honest insights that prospectuses don’t. And don’t panic if you don’t get your first choice, most people end up exactly where they’re meant to be. I certainly didn’t have a master plan when I applied!

I chose Oxford Brookes for Motorsport Engineering because I liked the idea of combining my love for cars and problem-solving. And let’s be honest, the dream of working in Formula 1 helped! Brookes has a strong motorsport reputation, and they offer a placement year,  which I didn’t do, but in hindsight, that’s one thing I’d recommend considering. Getting hands-on experience early makes a huge difference when you graduate. The Formula Student society was also a big thing there, it’s a great way to apply what you learn to a real engineering project, even if you’re not the one driving!

After my bachelor’s, I went on to do a master’s at Edinburgh Napier in Advanced Materials Engineering. I’d become more interested in composite materials, things like carbon fibre and how they’re used in performance industries. My final year projects at both degrees let me focus on topics I was genuinely interested in, and that’s where I started developing a real passion for the materials and manufacturing side of engineering. When I graduated, I joined McLaren as a Composite Technician. That meant I was literally hands-on, making components, sanding, laying up carbon fibre, all the practical stuff.  It might sound like a step back after a degree, but honestly, it was one of the best decisions I made. It gave me a real understanding of how things are made — and that’s something you can’t learn from textbooks. After a while, I became a Team Leader managing a group of 15 people, delivering components for McLaren road cars. That role taught me a lot about leadership, communication, and responsibility  and gave me confidence to take the next step. I then moved to the AMRC, where I’m now a Technical Lead. I work with aerospace and defence companies to develop new composite manufacturing technologies and processes,  it’s about innovation and pushing boundaries.

When it came to applying for jobs after uni, I quickly learned that it’s not just about what’s on your CV — it’s about how you present your story. I applied to a few engineering roles, and even though I had the degree, I realised employers really wanted people who understood how things work in practice. That’s why I joined McLaren as a Composite Technician, it was a hands-on role, but it gave me the practical knowledge I needed to progress later. Every job you apply for, tailor your CV. If you’re applying to a company that makes composites, highlight your materials work. If it’s motorsport, talk about Formula Student or related projects. The more specific you make it, the better.

When it comes to interviews, whether it’s for uni, placements, or your first job,  the biggest tip I can give is: preparation and mindset are everything. For uni interviews (if you have one), they’re usually testing how you think, not whether you know the right answer. If they ask a question you don’t know, talk them through how you’d approach solving it. For job interviews, it’s a mix of technical and behavioural questions. They might ask you to explain a project or talk about a time you solved a problem in a team. That’s where examples from uni or work come in handy. I used the ‘STAR’ method,  Situation, Task, Action, Result , to structure answers. It keeps you focused and clear. And remember interviews go both ways. It’s also your chance to see if you like them. I used to think interviews were about impressing the company, but the best ones are proper conversations about fit and interest. Finally, enthusiasm really matters. You can’t fake passion for long, if you genuinely like what you’re talking about, it shows, and that often makes the difference.

One of the biggest things I learned is that your career isn’t a straight line. I didn’t go straight into some glamorous engineering job,  I started on the shop floor. But every stage taught me something valuable that got me where I am now. Also, don’t underestimate the value of teamwork and communication. Engineering is never done alone,  whether it’s Formula Student, a group project, or working in a factory, it’s all about how well you collaborate.

What I’d wish I’d known:

“You don’t need to have your whole life figured out at 17. It’s okay to explore, try things, and change your mind.”

“Get as much practical experience as you can, placements, internships, even just spending a day shadowing someone.”

“Don’t worry too much about what looks best on paper. Focus on what interests you,  that’s where you’ll do your best work.”

“Grades are important, but attitude and curiosity will get you further.”

“Confidence builds over time. Every new challenge feels big at first, but that’s how you grow.”

Tom's closing words to the students were "The  key thing I’d say is to stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take a route that’s a bit different". He didn’t have a 10-year plan but every opportunity he took, even the practical ones, taught him something that helped later.