A reluctant student.

FORMER student Arran Fewtrell didn't know just how useful his studies would be until the recent recession hit.

The father-of-two was sent back to college by his manager at Corus in order to get a promotion.

Thirty eight-year-old Arran went unwillingly on to the one year Certificate in Management Studies (CMS) at Middlesbrough College but ended up studying for a further two years of his own free will.

He said: "I was offered a promotion at work but as I had no formal business qualifications it was on the understanding that I studied for my CMS. I was a bit reluctant but had no choice really.

"It was quite a surprise to me just how much I enjoyed it. A lot of that was due to our lecturer Paul Stone, who was absolutely inspirational. It was because of him and Middlesbrough College that when I finished the course, I immediately signed up for another year to do my diploma in Management Studies.

"You understand why strategies are in place and how they pull an organisation together. It made a whopping difference. In fact, I keep my boss right now!" He laughed.

Arran, who lives in Acklam with his wife and two daughters, passed his DMS before going to the University of Teesside for a final year.

Now with a Masters in Business Management under his belt, Arran, who is manufacturing manager at Corus Special Profiles in Skinningrove, is finding his knowledge is invaluable as he looks to keep his workforce of 130 people motivated through tough economic times.

He explained: "The course gives you an understanding of people and how what you say and do impacts on them. Things are always changing in this industry and it is vital to keep people informed and interested.

"We are going though tough times and so understanding others' motivations is vital. It has helped me a lot when I have met with unions and workers lately.

"Hopefully, I can benefit from a better understanding of how everyone fits together in the organisation and my bosses and workers can benefit from best practice too."