A PLUMBING student from Bidford-on-Avon has been named student of the year at Evesham College.

Matthew Johns won the overall prize at the college as well as being recognised as motor vehicle and construction student of the year.

The 17-year-old enrolled at Evesham College, part of leading college group WCG, from Alcester Academy and recently completed his Level 2 diploma in plumbing.

He is now hoping to secure an apprenticeship and further his studies, with tutors confident in him becoming a ‘first-rate plumber’.

“I was not expecting an award and so was really pleased to win both," the teenager said.

"I am hoping that it will help me to get an apprenticeship and that I can move on to the next level of diploma.

“I really enjoyed the course.

"It was interesting and the tutor was great at explaining everything.

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"It was all new to me as I had never even touched a pipe before the starting the course.

"“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after school but I had spent some time in an office last summer and realised that wasn’t for me and that I wanted to do something more practical.

“I can definitely now see plumbing as my career and hopefully the awards will help me stand out from the crowd as I look for an apprenticeship.”

Lee Kirk, head of department, said: “Matthew has demonstrated a high level of professionalism throughout his time with us here at WCG.

"His time-keeping and punctuality are of a high standard, as well as a high standard of working.

“I have every confidence that Matthew is well on his way to becoming a first-rate plumber. We all wish him the very best for the future."