Former Middlesbrough College student Lee Baker has opened up a new welding business on Teesside!
Lee, who studied welding back in 2005 at Middlesbrough College, quickly became a skilled and confident student and is now celebrating the success of his brand new bespoke welding and fabrication service, Baker and Nixon Limited.
However, Lee wasn’t always the model student. In fact, Lee has thanked Middlesbrough College for helping him to turn his life around.
Lee said “When I was at school I wasn’t well-behaved and I had no interest in my school work. I was expelled from main stream school and excluded from programmes at my PRU school. But then I came to Middlesbrough College and I was given a fresh start.
“Middlesbrough College helped me to find my passion and gave me the confidence and skills I needed to succeed. The teachers at Middlesbrough College supported me and helped me to find my vocation in life.
“I absolutely loved studying here and I feel that the College not only gave me skills for the workplace but they also helped me to become a better person.”
After completing his Level 2 welding qualification and functional skills maths and English, Lee successfully gained an advanced apprenticeship with Dielife.
Lee impressed his employer and worked for thirteen years at the company, becoming the shop floor supervisor. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the company has gone into liquidation, but this hasn’t stopped Lee looking on the bright side and grabbing life by the horns, as he has now opened up his own business with a former colleague at Dielife.
Lee said “I’m over the moon to have started my very own company. I had always wanted to work for myself and now I’ve actually made that dream a reality.
“Even though it is early days, we have been very successful so far and have recently signed a very exciting major contract! I can’t wait to get started on the upcoming project.
“I can’t thank Middlesbrough College enough for supporting me and having the patience to take me on. I’m a very different person to who I was back in secondary school and Middlesbrough College has definitely helped to shape that.
“My advice to anyone who is at school and is thinking about coming to Middlesbrough College is to do it. College is very different to school and Middlesbrough College has an excellent team of advisors who will help you to find your perfect course.
“If, like me, you are a more practical and hands-on learner I would definitely consider a career in welding. There are lots of opportunities available and Middlesbrough College’s courses get you set for employment!”