AN apprentice technician has been named the best in his field at a national awards ceremony.

Robbi Dickinson is an apprentice lightning conductor engineer at Stone Technical Services Group, in Darlington, and has won the WJ Furse Award for the best technical application at the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group Apprentice Awards.

The awards recognise the highest levels of training and skills in the sector and celebrate the successes of apprentices from all over the UK

Mr Dickinson has worked at Stone Technical Services Group for almost three years in his role which involves installing lightning protection at sites all over the UK and beat off competition from hundreds of apprentices to clinch the W.J. Furse Award.

The 23 year old was singled out for his award thanks to his commitment and passion for his job and also his outstanding technical skills.

Dave Stone, founder and managing director added: “Lightning protection is a very niche sector requiring some of the most highly skilled technicians. The industry is crying out for more young people like Robbi to enter the field and, at Stone, we’re hugely supportive of all our young apprentices. Robbi has done exceptionally well and is excelling in his field and the whole team at Stone is really proud that he has been singled out with this award.”