AN engineer says he’s proof an apprenticeship can be the gateway for a great career.

Fully qualified site engineer Dean Wallace studied at Redcar and Cleveland College since he was 17.

The 23-year-old, who gained a level three NVQ in trowel occupations, then took on a new challenge by studying for an HNC in building studies.

After impressing bosses at Lumsden and Carroll, which is part of Esh Group, based in Bowburn, near Durham City, he was offered a full-time role in its road-building and infrastructure works division upon completing his apprenticeship.

Mr Wallace, from Redcar, said: “Doing the apprenticeship has been great for me.

“I’ve learnt so much in a short space of time and that’s thanks to the people I’ve worked with both in college and at work.”

Jimmy Dodds, Lumsden and Carroll's contracts manager, recruited Mr Wallace, and praised his attitude and commitment.

He said: “The first time I met him he impressed me, and it was a really easy decision to offer him the job.

“He’s a great example of what any young person leaving school can do.”

Charlie Thomas, the college’s building studies tutor, added: “Dean always had something to contribute to class discussions, often drawing on his own experience in industry.”