As Gateshead College celebrates its 80th anniversary, we’re telling the stories of our former students and how coming to the college has helped shape their lives. One of those people is Steve Watson.
When Steve Watson reflects on his career in technology, one word comes to mind: life-changing. Now Head of Strategic Engagement at Aspire Technology Solutions, Steve’s journey began over 40 years ago at Gateshead College, which was then Gateshead Technical College, where he transitioned from an enthusiastic young programmer into a professional ready to help shape the future of the tech industry.
Steve’s passion for technology was ignited at the age of 12, inspired by Sir Clive Sinclair, the inventor of the first mass-produced home computer, “At 12, I learned how to program, and that hobby developed into a real interest.”
Steve found himself choosing Gateshead College, thanks to our comprehensive computing curriculum. At the time he was able to study both an A-Level in Computer Science and an OND (Ordinary National Diploma), giving him the academic and practical foundation to thrive.
Steve fondly recalls the slightly intimidating maze of corridors in the old Technical College building on Durham Road. But what stands out most is the support he found both from expert lecturers and fellow students. “Back in the early 1980s, IT was still new to the curriculum,” he says. “Having that peer group and knowledgeable lecturers made all the difference.”
One standout experience was his coursework project at Woolco in Washington (Now ASDA at The Galleries in Washington), where he developed their first IT stock control system. “They used it for several years,” he says with pride. “That was a real-world project with lasting impact and it all came from a college assignment.”
As well as enjoying his studies, Steve also enjoyed getting to know his classmates and remembers them fondly: “It was a good group academically and socially.”
Today, Steve is passionate about inspiring the next generation. He continues to work closely with the college and plans to deliver a TED-style talk to students as part of the college’s 80th anniversary celebrations. His message is clear: technology careers are not only viable, they’re vital.
“We have a massive shortfall of cybersecurity professionals in the UK,” he says. “And green tech is growing rapidly, especially in this region. You can help save the planet with a career in tech and you don’t have to move to London to do it.”
Steve emphasises the importance of being proactive and saying “yes” to opportunities, even when you’re unsure. He recalls a pivotal moment at British Airways, where he moved from software development into management. “I wasn’t sure I could do it, but I took the chance and it changed my life.”
When asked what advice he would give to students Steve said “If you do what you love, your job becomes easy. If you’re passionate about what you do, success will come.”
As Gateshead College celebrates 80 years, Steve credits its enduring success to its unique blend of academic learning and hands-on, industry-relevant experience. “Whether it’s electric vehicles or green energy tech, the tools may change but that balance between theory and practice will always be vital.”
For Steve Watson, Gateshead College was more than a stepping stone, it was the launchpad for a career that’s taken him across the globe. Now, he’s giving back, helping today’s students navigate their own paths to success in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
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