The last craft apprentice to work for Sunderland Corporation Transport has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship for his services to a region’s regeneration.
Neil Scales, who began his working life on the shop floor in Sunderland more than 35 years ago is now Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel– where Liverpool John Moores University honoured him ‘in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the regeneration of Liverpool.’
Seven years ago Mr Scales was awarded an OBE for his services to public transport.
He said: “There is a plaque bearing the Sunderland coat of arms on my office wall because my motto is you’ve got to remember where you came from to know where you’re going.
“I must admit though, that when I started life as an apprentice I had no idea in which direction my career would take me. I am of course incredibly proud to have been honoured with the Fellowship.”
Mr Scales then took the Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, Dr Brain May, on a tour of Merseytravel’s Spaceport educational visitor attraction, accompanied by Merseytravel Chairman Cllr Mark Dowd.
The lead guitarist of rock legends Queen, Dr May holds a PhD in Astrophysics and Merseytravel developed a unique partnership with LJMU’s Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI) to develop the Wirral based attraction.
Mr Scales held various engineering roles within Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive and has worked in the Middle East, Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Russia and the UK dealing with all aspects of public transport.
Before joining Merseytravel he was an independent travel consultant working for the World Bank in Latvia.
