Martin Tart

Meet Joinery IDA, Marin Tart.

“I began my career at Middlesbrough College just less than 3 years ago as a part of the Work Placements Team, sitting under Kath Hawking. During my time in the Work Placement Team, I expressed my passion for joinery and ended up teaching students as and when the construction team needed me. After Kath and Steve Ankers realised my potential in this area, they asked if I would like to stay on as a permanent member of staff in joinery and I haven’t looked back since.

“Prior to my career at Middlesbrough College, I had retired after 40 years from my role as a Social Services Manager working throughout Teesside and North Yorkshire. Once I had retired, it wasn’t long before I was looking to get stuck into something else, I travelled Australia and New Zealand for a while following the rugby, before returning to the UK and filling my time delivering frozen meals to elderly people in need. It was then when I saw my Industry Placement Co-Ordinator role advertised and decided to apply.

“Earlier in life I worked as a shop fitter which I thoroughly enjoyed, when moving on into social services I used the skills I had learnt in my career as a joiner in a therapeutic way. I helped guide people into a hobby they could grow to love and use as a tool to relax and unwind from daily struggles. During my career in social services, I trained as a Social Worker and Teacher as I always liked to help others and somehow knew this would come to good use later in life.

“I have a real passion for my job, there’s no better feeling than sharing knowledge and experience with students and sometimes staff too. I am encouraged every day to come into work with a smile on my face and honestly wish I had discovered this role sooner. I am about to turn 67 and have no intention of retiring again anytime soon, I feel really content here. Plus, I have made some great friends since being at the College and have partaken in some hilarious activities too – like playing an incognito part in a Christmas performance a couple of years ago, the construction team let out a huge laugh when they realised it was me under a large curly black wig!

“Prior to my working life, I was a European ballroom dancing champion, I won the title with my dancing partner at the age of 11 and continued my dancing career up until the age of 15. Telling the stories of my dancing days is often something people don’t expect from a joiner/Rugby player and after I gave up dancing at 15, I was eager to get into more tactical sports and this is when my passion for Football and Rugby began. Initially, I played Rugby myself, and then I went on to coach several Guisborough Rugby teams for over 25 years taking young players to Australia, South Africa and all the Nations of the Six Nation Championship eventually progressing to Yorkshire County Level coaching.

“To those thinking of applying for a role here at Middlesbrough College, my advice would be to just go for it! You never know the doors it will open and the opportunities that may arise. I never expected to be where I am today, but I am, and that’s all because of Middlesbrough College. Be confident in your abilities and you will go far, and never be scared to ask for support – that’s what your colleagues around you are there for.

“These days in my spare time I love to sing. I am in a choir called ‘The Marske Fishermen’s choir’, where we get together to sing, but also perform at events and nursing homes to raise money for charity. So far, the choir has made around £250,000 for RNLI charity which is amazing. I also still love to follow the Rugby; it is a true passion of mine, and I am sure it always will be.

“I have been happily married to Lesley for 44 years and have one son, Andrew, who with his wife Claire presented us with our first grandchild, Henry during lock down. The couple are having their second child in February 2023, and I can foresee many trips up and down the M1 to Hampshire see the new baby in the New Year.”

Looking for a role at the Middlesbrough College Group? Take a look at our latest job vacancies here