TREVOR Alley is used to helping youngsters make the smooth transition from the classroom to the workplace.

As chief executive of South West Durham Training Limited (SWDT), he’s seen students move into a variety of engineering careers.

Integral to their successes is his industry experience, which the former apprentice toolmaker is keen to pass on.

However, there’s one chapter of his early working life he omits; a scary experience using what he describes as rather outdated techniques.

He said: “Woolworths ran an emergency electricity supply for if there was a cut out.

“We had to go in and test them and I remember pulling one of the fuses out.

“It gave me a massive electric shock and threw me across the other side of the room into the wall.

“I wasn’t too happy with my colleague that day.”

Mr Alley, a keen rugby union and cricket follower, took over at SWDT earlier this year after previously working as curriculum development manager at Bishop Auckland College.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the further education sector, he has already overseen SWDT agree a deal with train builder Hitachi Rail Europe to host a mock-up carriage ahead of the Japanese firm opening its Newton Aycliffe factory.

The carriage will be used for training, by apprentices, graduates, technical and engineering staff.

SDWT, which offers intermediate and advanced apprenticeships in engineering, has also united with Bishop Auckland College to combine their strengths, and was classed outstanding in an Ofsted report, leading to organisations in Lancashire looking to mimic its successes.

So how does Mr Alley view progress in his role, and how important are young workers to North-East firms’ futures.

He said: “Apprentices are the key.

“We are doing well to recruit more here into the centre and working with some major organisations, such as Hitachi and Cleveland Bridge, in Darlington.

“We have seven with Cleveland Bridge and changed our model to suit them.

“They have just started and six of them came from here.

“The four Hitachi youngsters, three of them lads and the other a girl, are doing electrical mechanical maintenance to start with.

“We are also employing two business administration apprentices as part of our partnership with Bishop Auckland.

“Other organisations have asked to come and have a look at us because they are seeing what we are capable of and what we can achieve.

“Other than the Ofsted successes, I would say the Hitachi agreement is probably my biggest achievement since being here, and it’s going really well.

“I knew they were looking to test a train and that there was a good opportunity for us to do that here.”

As more youngsters start to look at apprenticeships, the recent Durham Oktoberfest event offering a clear example of the fervour around the topic, Mr Alley said it was critical training met with demand.

He also said it was important to move away from a solely university-focused approach.

He added: “I’ve always been passionate about apprenticeships; I started as a toolmaker, so I’ve always seen their worth.

“Apprenticeships have got better, apprentices have got better, and employers value them more.

“Due to that, and the technology now used, companies are requiring people who are very capable.

“It is a very good opportunity for good people to get paid from 16 onwards and move all the way through to get a university degree without having to pay the fees.

“If someone is 16 and wants to do engineering, they are far better off doing an apprenticeship and earning money and gathering experience.”

Five minutes with... Trevor Alley

Favourite North-East building and why? Does the Angel of the North count? I love Anthony Gormley, though I would like to see the Angel lit up at night.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? Apprentice toolmaker. I didn’t get paid much; I think it was around £5 a week.

What is the worst job you've had? I’ve been very lucky; I haven’t really ever had a bad job. The one that I was worst at was a service engineer for RA Lister diesel engines. While maintaining a standby to mains generator on top of a Woolworths store I got a massive electric shock which threw me across the building.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I would cook a very nice warm Roquefort cheesecake with poached pears in balsamic wine starter, accompanied by a New Zealand sauvignon. It would be followed by maybe a goulash with a bottle of Barolo. Finally, we’d have steamed ginger pudding, with a glass of Sauternes or Muscat de beaumes de Venise.

What would your superpower be? The power to stay young.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: Nelson Mandela, John F Kennedy, Jonny Wilkinson, possibly the greatest fly half of all time, and JPR Williams, possibly the best full back of all time.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? Probably my Omega Sea master Chronograph. £2000.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Stephen Fry. He always has something erudite to offer.

Favourite book? One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.

When did you last cry? I cry all the time when watching movies. Other than that, at my mum’s funeral in January this year. She was a fantastic lady.

What is your greatest achievement? I guess that would be leading South West Durham Training to an outstanding Ofsted inspection in July this year.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Always try to lead by example. Never ask staff to do something you would not be prepared to do yourself.

Favourite animal and why? My white German Shepherd dog, Skittle (Alley- get it?). She is so loving and she is the reason why my children keep coming home.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? That’s a hard one. Nobody very famous, I’m afraid. Maybe Danny Brown, manager of Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club.

What was the last band you saw live? Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Describe your perfect night in: A nice meal with Kath, my lovely wife, my children George and Jenny and their partners, followed by a game of Wii golf or Cluedo.

In another life I would be... A prisoner. My mum is convinced that my wife saved me from a life of crime!

Who would play you in a film of your life? Easy, Ade Edmondson. He wouldn’t need any make up.

What irritates you? Unsolicited phone calls offering me PPI or accident claims compensation.

What's your secret talent? I don’t think I have one. I guess that I am personable, and (usually) manage to get on well with people. Having said that, I’m not a bad rugby player and train and referee junior rugby every weekend.