Born in Witton Gilbert, County Durham, Urwin began work at a local coal mine at the age of fourteen, but left three years later, moving to Coventry to become a welder.
He also joined the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU), and soon became a shop steward for his workplace.
[1] In 1947, Urwin became secretary of the TGWU's Coventry district, succeeding Jack Jones.
This was a full-time post, and he worked closely with Jones, striking up a life-long friendship.
In 1959, Urwin became the regional officer, based in Birmingham, then West Midlands secretary in 1963.