Steve Gray

Name: Steve Gray
Company: Training 2000 Limited
Position: Chief executive

Brief CV:
I left school in 1979 and started my career as an apprentice Auto Electrician in 1980 at Seddon Atkinson Vehicles in Walton-Le-Dale.

I spent my first year at Kent Street Group Training where I learnt most of my skills in basic engineering (and tea making). I also had to take it in turns with the other apprentices to do the lunch runs, making sure the orders were correct and you didn’t end up out of pocket!

When Seddon Atkinson shut its factory in Preston I was placed with Ribble Motor Service and later moved to British Aerospace at Samlesbury where I worked on building looms, these were the main electrical wiring harnesses containing miles of wires that were installed in the aircraft for the Tornado.

I’d say this was the true start of my career and in the 19 years I stayed with BAE Systems I progressed into training and had a variety of roles that enabled me to work overseas and across the UK, supporting some of the most advanced technology and skills including Eurofighter development, Nimrod, Harrier and Hawk aircraft.

The opportunity to become a CEO arose in 2005 with Training 2000 Limited and I was successfully appointed in the October. I relished the challenge of taking the charity forward as CEO, applying all the skills I had the fortune to learn throughout my career with BAE Systems.

Five years on I am still learning and I have as much enthusiasm today as I did when I started as an Apprentice back in 1980.

Favourite Music of the Moment:
It’s very varied – like Editors, Kaiser Chiefs, Snow Patrol and of course Duran Duran and Rod Stewart.

Must-watch TV:
Top Gear, Supernatural and, needless to say, The Apprentice!

Ideal way to wind down after work:
I enjoy spending time with my family and I get I real buzz from my hobby, which is flying model helicopters with my mates at Ribble Valley Model Helicopter Club.

Best piece of business advice:
The most important asset in business is people and good leadership is how you get the best out of this vital asset.