A FORMER apprentice is focused on building his career after securing a job with a petrochemicals firm.

Callum Croker is now an electrical maintenance technician at Sabic, in Wilton, near Redcar.

The 20-year-old former Redcar and Cleveland College student completed a four-year apprenticeship with training charity TTE, which was sponsored by Sabic.

Part of a maintenance team, Mr Croker, from Middlesbrough, ensures plant breakdowns are dealt with quickly.

While studying on day release from college, he gained distinctions in every unit across BTEC level two and level three courses, before moving on to a higher national certificate in electrical engineering.

He said he hopes his qualifications will eventually allow him to move into management roles.

He said: “It was a great relief when Sabic offered me a permanent job.

“I loved every minute of my apprenticeship, so really wanted to stay here and build my career.

“The resources and equipment at the college were industry standard, so it made it very easy for me to transfer the knowledge I was gaining to my work on the site.

“Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain qualifications and skills, while earning a wage.

“It’s not just getting your foot on the ladder, it’s developing a career for life.”

Brian Lewis, the college’s engineering tutor, added: “Callum has a great career ahead that could take him in so many directions.”

Sabic employs hundreds of workers on Teesside and runs the Olefins cracker at Wilton, which makes products for use in plastic bottles, CDs and tyres.