A PLUMBER has called on youngsters to focus on apprenticeships as a route into work after completing his training.

Albert Wingfield has finished his training at Dyno Franchise Investments (Durham) and will join its full plumbing team next month.

The 25-year-old, from School Aycliffe, County Durham, specialises in working on water supply pipes.

Mr Wingfield previously worked for lawnmower maker Husqvarna, which has a plant in Newton Aycliffe, and studied for a fork lift truck driver's licence to go into warehouse work.

He said: “This a big weight lifted off my shoulders, and I'm now a qualified engineer.

"Dyno gave me great support and everything I needed to help me.

"An apprenticeship is something you can work towards every day and the end you have a skill that is yours for life.

“Apprenticeships are so important because of their long-term benefits and because they give you something to fall back on.”

Cliff Barry, Dyno plumbing franchise owner, added: “I am immensely proud of Albert and our entire team that has supported him over the last year or so to this success.

“He is now a qualified plumber and we looking forward to welcoming him as part of the plumbing team in the new year.”