Mr Veitch was educated at Heaton Grammar School, after which, in 1967, he attended Sunderland Polytechnic School of Art and Design until 1971 where he gained his Diploma in Arts and Design (with 1st Class Honours), specialising in fine art, the history of art, and printmaking. He then went on to Leeds Polytechnic Department of Art Education, where he obtained his Art Teacher's Certificate in 1972.

His first appointment was a year at Castleford High School (1972-3), followed by a year at Newcastle University, after which he joined the staff of Harton Comprehensive in January, 1975. He left in July 1989 to join the staff of South Tyneside College.