WORCESTER-based employee Alan Shorter has been recognised by energy company Western Power Distribution (WPD) for his high performance during his apprenticeship with the firm.

Alan, 23, picked up the firm’s annual Apprentice Shield for demonstrating exceptionally high standards in both practical work and written Technical Apprentice Records, despite having Dyslexia.

Alan is due to complete his apprenticeship this year and will then become a fully qualified fitter for WPD at their Worcester depot.

He said: "I couldn’t quite believe it when I was told that I’d been given this award.

"It has capped off my fantastic apprenticeship experience.

"The training has been excellent and you get to work with great people.

"It is by far the best decision I have ever made and I look forward to completing my apprenticeship and hope to have a long and successful career with the company."

Winners of the award are presented with certificates, engraved tankards and have their names engraved on WPD’s Apprentice Shield.

The Apprentice Shield is an annual award from WPD, where managers nominate apprentices to be shortlisted.

Alan also received a cash prize of £500.

He was presented with a certificate and his tankard by chief executive Robert Symons.

Mike Wigmore, Worcester plant team manager, said: "Alan has worked very hard to become a fantastic electrical fitter.

"He is committed to his work and always gives 100 per cent.

"He always comes to work with a positive attitude and is a valued member of the team.”

WPD offers around 100 apprentice positions each year.

The apprenticeship lasts for between two to three years and provides on the job training along with an engineering qualification upon completion.

A total of 130 apprentices completed their training in the last year and have moved into full-time permanent roles.