Staff Spotlight – Ricky Neil
Want to know more about our lecturers? This month we caught up with Ricky Neil from our Automotive Engineering department where he tells us a little bit about himself and things you would be surprised to know about him!
Hi, my name is Ricky, Lecturer in the Motor Vehicle Body area. I am in my forties and I live in Dundee, married with two teenage boys. I specialise in Body Repair and MIG welding. I have been teaching at Perth College UHI since October 2012, where I am Personal Academic Tutor for Access Body and Paint, Level 5 Diploma and Level 6 Diploma Body Repair cohorts. I joined Perth College UHI straight from the motor repair industry where I enjoyed various roles including Panel Beater, Workshop Controller and a Vehicle Damage Estimator.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
At the age of 13 I was the youngest member of my Karate club to pass my Black belt, I went on to achieve my third Dan Black belt at the age of 16.
What’s your favourite type of food?
I LOVE Indian food, especially Chicken Tikka!
Favourite holiday destination?
Any place hot, with a pool, a bar and plenty to keep me entertained!
If you were a super-hero what type of powers would you have?
Flying, definitely flying! Think of the fuel money you would save!
First thing you would do if you won £1 million?
Would like to say something like help out family and friends but sorry I would indulge in a new Audi R8 Spyder. Would probably go for a hair transplant too!
What is the best advice you have ever received and who did it come from?
This is where I should answer with an inspirational quote, or a life changing bit of advice…… Sorry….
Happiest memory?
Wedding day? Birth of my sons? First day at school? Nah none of these come close to being at Hampden Park on the 15 May 2010, along with over 25,000 other Dundee United fans all bathed in Tangerine, watching my team lift the Scottish cup for the second time in their history. What a day!!!
Most embarrassing moment?
Too many to mention and definitely not for sharing…
What’s the best part of your job?
Best part of my job is being able to pass on my industry experience to my students, also I love the student-led projects we have going on in our area. I hope my enthusiasm for the repair industry rubs off on my students and they can progress into industry and enjoy a career like I did.
