Robert moves from fixing cars to tackling crime

Robert Bridgett started training as a motor mechanic aged 15 and thought his schooldays were over. Over 25 years later, he has achieved a Law degree from the University of Teesside and in 2007 will begin a one-year course to qualify as a Barrister.

Robert, 41, from Shildon, County Durham, will receive his LLB (Hons) degree today at Middlesbrough Town Hall, along with the Sweet and Maxwell prize. His positive academic experience is a far cry from secondary school.

Robert said: "I didn't really like school and didn't have a good time there. I was a quiet kid who kept to myself. Although I got six O levels I started training as a motor mechanic straight away. I did it to please my Dad, who worked hard as a long-distance lorry driver. I just viewed it as a job, not something to enjoy."

Robert worked as a mechanic for several years, and then switched to selling insurance. He gained a taste for learning when he decided to study GCSE Maths part-time, and chose GCSE Law as well.

This inspired Robert to progress to an Access to Higher Education course at Bishop Auckland College, which led to Teesside's Law degree. By this point Robert had changed jobs again, now working as an interviewer for the National Centre for Social Research. He continued in this role throughout the degree.

Robert had initial problems with the computing requirements of University study. He said: "I was absolutely hopeless to start off with. When I heard the young kids on the course talking about cutting and pasting I thought they were talking about decorating or something! My tutor, Jude Beadle, was very understanding and let me hand write my essays in the first year. Everybody I came into contact with at the University was so supportive."

In 2007 Robert will begin a one-year Bar Vocational Course in Newcastle, with the aim of qualifying as a Barrister. He added: "When my older sister Dawn went to University I thought, 'perhaps I could have done that.' Now I have. I'd like to thank my wife Angela for being so supportive. She's coming to the graduation with our children Robert and Abbie and my Mam, Hazel. As for the academic prize, I say thanks very much!"

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