A WORCESTERSHIRE apprentice has been named top of his trade after being honoured at the National Construction College East annual apprentice awards.

Twenty-six-year-old Scott Alcock, of Bromsgrove, won the Interior Systems award at the ceremony which was held at the college’s campus in Bircham Newton, Norfolk.

Mr Alcock, who works as an apprentice for Install Ceilings and Partitions in Frankley, near Birmingham, was one of 17 apprentices honoured at the ceremony attended by almost 700 people, including industry representatives, local employers and friends and family.

The awards, which are in their 12th year, were organised by the National Construction College – the training division of CITB Construction Skills – to recognise and reward the hard work, expert skill and determination of its apprentices.

Guest speaker was former England cricketer and now chairman of selectors Geoff Miller.

Chris Barrett, head of vocational services at the National Construction College East, said: “Our apprentices are testament to the fact that there are still good opportunities out there for young recruits and we call on local businesses to continue to support this vital pool of talent.

“Apprentices not only ensure that a loyal workforce is developed with the skills that your business needs but they also help ensure that the industry avoids skills shortages in the future by securing talent now.”

The NCC is Europe’s largest construction training provider delivering courses at eight sites and additional training venues for up to 25,000 learners each year.

The college works with employers to provide both bespoke and specialist training in addition to producing a wide selection of learning materials to complement training courses.