A MIDDLESBROUGH apprentice has proved he has the chemistry for success after he won an award.

Scott Dunnakey has been named as one of the best process industry students in the UK.

He was awarded the Salters Institute City and Guilds process plant operations prize at a ceremony in London. The 21-year-old, who is now studying towards a chemical technology foundation degree at the University of Teesside, spent four years as an apprentice with Middlesbrough-based TTE Technical Training.

During his time at the training centre, he spent two years on placement at Teesside Power Station, where he became the first operations apprentice to be sponsored on the site.

He said: "In addition to winning this award, the apprenticeship route has already paid off for me by helping secure my place at university.

"One of the most appealing aspects of apprenticeships is the mixture of theoretical and practical studies. That blend has really helped me apply what I have learned both in the work place and at university."

Keith Hunter, managing director of TTE technical training group, said: "The award is a well-respected title in the chemical industry and everyone at TTE is proud of him."