AN electrical student has sparked a successful businesses by having the courage to return to college after a career in the Army.
Darlington College student Baltej Maan used his army discipline to plan and target the next stage of his working life.
The 33-year-old left his home in Punjab, India, when he was 18 and joined the Army, serving nine years in the Royal Regiment of Scotland, where he was a frontline solider and also worked in transport and the communications and information services corps.
After serving all over Europe, his final posting was to Catterick Garrison and when he left the services in 2021 he signed up with Darlington College taking level 2, then level 3 electrical installation.
He gained a distinction and was even offered a teaching job at the college but instead set up his own business – Mann Electrotechnical Ltd – which is now thriving.
“I was a bit worried at 31 how I would fit in at college with much younger students, whose behaviour is different,” said Baltej, who is now based in Darlington with his wife Mandeep and six-year-old son.
“But I worked so hard and the teachers were very good and very supportive so my grades were great.”
Baltej’s business is now flourishing thanks to a work ethic that sees him completing long hours, often seven days a week. He already employs three people, with commissions across the North, from Newcastle to Leeds.
The NAPIT-approved company specialises in home rewiring, EV charger installation, testing and inspection and fault finding, of both domestic and commercial properties.
“I now want to take it to the next level,” he said. “I’d like to secure Government and council contracts and am aiming to become a specialist testing inspector. I’m also looking at the green energy sector, such as solar panels and smart homes technology.
“When I qualify as an inspector that will open up different routes and I will be looking to grow the team.”
Baltej had high praise for Darlington College. He said: “A lot of people in their 30s lose hope but my experience shows what you can do if you focus.
“When I left the Army I drove lorries at night and at weekends to fit around my studies and it worked out really well. I know a few people who are now following my route. It is really worth going back to college if you keep your attitude right.”
For more on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
