A NEWPORT steelworker turned-teacher has retired after 32 years at the same school.

Ian Phillips, 64, started at Newbridge Comprehensive in 1980 after receiving what he describes as “a calling” to the profession.

The father of two took up an apprenticeship at Llanwern steelworks aged 17 and completed a qualification in metal studies at the city’s Allt-yr-Yn campus part-time before going on to work in quality control.

Throughout his 14-year career at the factory he showed many young workers the ropes and found he enjoyed teaching them new skills.

So he gave up his job one Friday and by the Monday was teaching maths at Newbridge School.

Due to a shortage in maths and science teachers at the time he didn’t have to complete a teaching qualification and instead learned on the job.

He admits he found his first year daunting but he soon settled in – so much so he never felt the urge to leave until it was time for him to retire.

The Pontfaen grandfather said: “It was very emotional, I couldn’t even go to my leaving ceremony because I couldn’t cope with it.

“I really enjoyed the people, I have got a lot of good memories.

“I have taught children and then their children and would like to thank everyone for their support, I will miss them.”

Mr Phillips, who is also a jazz musician, plans to spend his retirement perfecting his guitar and trumpet skills, while also trying his hand at ballroom dancing.