Bill Marley, chief executive of The Employability Trust

The Employability Trust, based in Peterlee, east Durham, is the idea of businessman Bill Marley, 60, who wanted to give something back to the community which has served him so well.

Mr Marley spent one month short of 30 years at Black and Decker, in Spennymoor, County Durham, working in a wide variety of roles that took him from the factory floor to international business trips.

After supporting various initiatives, such as Sunderland Foundation of Light’s Back in the Game programme and launching a traineeship programme through the East Durham Engineering Forum, which he chairs, Mr Marley decided his passion lay in helping young people who, for one reason or another, were struggling to find secure employment.

His charity now supports young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (Neets) by offering them practical experience and vocational work to equip them with the skills needed to get a foot on the career ladder.

It is proving to be a runaway success.

Of the 16 young people Job- Centre Plus has referred to the trust this year, Mr Marley and his team have found work for 13.

He has also helped 60 youngsters to get experience of paid employment for periods of up to 14 weeks.

“Part of our success is that I have credibility with the local employers,” he said.

“They know that if I recommend someone then they are going to be good.

‘‘We are not about making big bucks. It’s about making a difference to people’s lives.

“In many ways my life began when I left manufacturing and started this.

“I had a great career and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

‘‘But I get a bigger buzz helping someone find work than I did when I was flying back from the Continent with a £1m contract in my pocket.

“The idea that I came up with was to launch a learning factory which would offer young people the chance to gain hands-on experience and, in many cases, shortterm employment which would equip them with the skills they needed to find secure work.”

Once the concept for The Employability Trust was clear, Mr Marley set about forming a board and finding the right premises to set up.

He came across an empty, rundown unit in Palmer Road, on the South West Industrial Estate.

He knew it was perfect for the plans he had.

“I met representatives from Durham County Council and many of the local industrial businesses to see if they’d support me and from there The Employability Trust was created,” he said.

He got the keys for the unit in March last year.

Since then, he and his team of four employees and two apprentices have worked tirelessly to get the venture off the ground.

With funding from the Area Action Partnership and support from a number of local businesses, including Thorn Lighting, BHK, Parker Hannifin, Cleveland Bridge and Wearside Plumbing, the transformation of the building is well under way.

The multi-purpose unit, which Mr Marley hopes will be finished in the new year, includes a workshop, storage and loading areas, meeting rooms, IT facilities and a training centre.

He said: “I make a genuine commitment to the people who come to us on contracts or work experience.

‘‘If they impress me, I will do my best to find them a job.”

• If your company is interested in supporting The Employability Trust, go to theemployabilitytrust.com or email success@theemploy abilitytrust.com.

Five minutes with... Bill Marley

Favourite North-East building and why?

Durham Cathedral. Whenever I have foreign visitors come over it’s the first place I want to take them.

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

My first job was an apprentice toolmaker and I was paid £9 a week.

What is the worst job you’ve had?

Years ago I worked for MFI, which was controlled by two unions. Coming from a nonunionised firm, I found it difficult to make the adjustment.

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

If I’m on cooking duties I love to do chicken stuffed with Philadelphia cheese and black pudding wrapped in Parma ham. We’d have that with some spicy wedges and salad.

What would your superpower be?

I’d really like to be able to fly because I love looking down from high buildings and seeing the world from a different perspective.

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

Jason Bourne, because I just love those films, Liam Neeson as I’m a fan of his, the Dalai Lama so he could share with me how he’s achieved contentment and, of course, my wife Mags who would entertain us all.

Most expensive thing you’ve bought – other than car or house – and how much?

We recently went to stay in a beautiful five-star hotel in Fuerteventura which was a treat before our grandchildren came along. As for the cost, I’ve chosen to erase it from my memory.

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

I follow the Dalai Lama and find his tweets so inspirational. He travels all over the world to give readings and is someone we can all learn a lot from.

Favourite book?

Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer. I’ve read it a couple of times and seen the film. Great book, though sadly the film didn’t come close.

When did you last cry?

This year I became a granddad twice in the space of a few months so there were a few tears of joy.

What is your greatest achievement?

Without a doubt setting up The Employability Trust. It’s been a challenge to get to this point but when I look around and see what’s been achieved, I feel incredibly proud.

What’s the best piece of advice in business you have ever been given?

Keep knocking on that door and eventually it will open.

Favourite animal and why.

I have two German short-haired pointers, who are gun dogs but for now they’re more pets – they’re part of the family.

Most famous person on your mobile phone.

Her indoors.

What was the last band you saw live?

I went to see Bruce Springsteen at the Stadium of Light a couple of years ago and he was outstanding.

I’ve seen him a few times and he never disappoints.

Describe your perfect night in.

Relaxing with Mags, the dogs, a glass of wine and watching the Bourne films.

In another life I would be...

A vet, but I knew I wasn’t clever enough.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Tom Hanks. He’s a cracking actor and can turn his hand to any type of role. I think he’d do me justice.

What irritates you?

Things not happening as quickly as I’d like them to.

What’s your secret talent?

I am a great storyteller. Having three grandchildren, two under the age of one, means I’m often on babysitting duties, so it’s a handy thing to be able to do.