"Apprenticeships are a no-brainer," says electric vehicle boss

HE left school with what he describes as “five dodgy O-levels”, but this far from ideal start has not hampered Dr Colin Herron either in his career or academically.

Now a visiting professor of engineering at Sunderland University and regarded as an expert in his field, Colin is now the proud holder of both a masters’ degree and a PHD in manufacturing techniques and is the managing director of a company at the cutting-edge of the emerging electrical vehicles industry.

“I was not successful at school. For some reason, I just had no interest,” he says. “I struggled with detail and attention, unless i was doing something I was interested in, like metalwork or woodwork.

“I was brought up in the shipyard culture at Wallsend, where getting an apprenticeship was the thing to do.

“I was extremely lucky when I left school to get a really good one – a tool-making apprenticeship with George Angus.”

Through this apprenticeship, Colin went to college on day release, then went on to be sponsored by the company to do a national diploma at a polytechnic in London.

“I am a huge fan of apprenticeships. For me, it’s a no-brainer. You get skills, you get a salary and you get a degree, or you can pay £40,000 and you might not have a job at the end of it,” he said.

Following his apprenticeship, Colin secured a job at Nissan in Sunderland, where he worked for 17 years, and working in a host of different departments “In my late 30s, I decided I would go back to education,” he says. “I did my masters when I was at Nissan, and I was given a project at work I thought would make an excellent subject for a PHD.

“I set myself a target to finish my PHD by the time I was 50, and I managed it with a month or two to spare. It was a very proud moment.”

While at Nissan, Colin was seconded to a low-carbon project at the now defunct regional development agency One North East. Following this, he went on to head up One North East’s low carbon specialist team, and was appointed to his position as managing director of Zero Carbon Functions last year.

The organisation is responsible for looking after the development of low carbon vehicles in the North-East, overseeing everything from the region’s electrical vehicle infrastructure, which Colin says is the most developed in the UK, to developing the test track for trialling of the vehicles. The organisation also works with Gateshead College to develop low carbon vehicles apprenticeships and ensure programmes to upskill existing workers in the sector are in place.

During his limited free time, Colin likes to run, spend time with his family and paint.

And on a Sunday morning, while most of us are having a lie in, you will find Colin volunteering at charity The People’s Kitchen, which feeds homeless people in Newcastle.

He became involved after donating money to the charity on a few occasions after becoming aware of the charity through his daughter.

“One of the ladies who volunteers there said to me, ‘I think it’s time you got your hands dirty’. I went down at 6.30am the following Sunday morning and I have been going ever since.

“I volunteer from 5am to noon. The charity has no paid staff, it is run completely by volunteers.

“When you get out on the streets, as I have for a while, you get a little bit of an insight into the people and it helps you to understand them. For me, it helps to balance my life. It helps me understand things better.”

Favourite North-East building and why.

The rendezvous café in Whitley Bay is a family favourite on a Sunday. It is timeless with regard to both the décor and menu.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid?

An apprentice toolmaker paid £10.58 per week

What is the worst job you've had?

All my employment jobs have been good; however, the worst task I have had is unblocking a sink in an orphanage in Thailand which had been blocked for a year. The mosquitoes rose, as did the smell.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?

My home-made burgers on a BBQ with potato salad and a glass or two of red wine.

What would your superpower be?

To understand what women are really thinking.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party.

Comedian Billy Connolly; the late comedian Les Dawson; the late former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill; and former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much?

A static caravan for £4,500 we used it for five years and sold it for £4,000.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why?

I’ve heard about Twitter but I have more important things to do. I do not understand the need to ‘tweet’.

Favourite book?

Bounce: The myth of talent and the power of practice by Matthew Syed. This cleared up a few of life’s learnings for me. I would also recommend ‘Bad Science’.

When did you last cry?

My family spent two weeks of the summer working in an orphanage in Thailand and leaving was hard when we could still be there making their life a little better.

What is your greatest achievement?

My PhD at the age of 49, having left school with nothing other than five dodgy O-levels.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given?

Put the business first not friendships, hard but true.

Favourite animal, and why.

The camel, because it is a marvel of evolution, and it can cope with just about anything thrown at it.

Most famous person on your mobile phone.

Jonathan Miles, of BBC Radio Newcastle, who is a character and helps with my People’s Kitchen work.

What was the last band you saw live?

Chris Rhea at Newcastle City Hall.

Describe your perfect night in.

A walk along the beach with my wife, followed by pasta and a glass of wine.

In another life I would be...

Me, I have had a fantastic life.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Hugh Dennis

What irritates you?

People who take advantage of the vulnerable.

What's your secret talent?

I have started an art class, and have to say I am quite good at drawing and use it as a release from work (my wife’s idea).