A YOUNG North-East worker is vying for the title of best UK apprentice.

Axel Tye is one of 13 finalists in the JTL Apprentice of the Year Awards.

Axel completed a four-year apprenticeship while working for Beck and Pollitzer Engineering, in Washington, Wearside, but now works for Sunderland car maker Nissan as a maintenance technician.

He won the title of JTL North-East Apprentice of the Year, and will find out if he's won the national prize at a London ceremony on Wednesday, February 26.

Axel, from Sunderland, is responsible for ensuring the running of one of the Japanese firm's car production lines.

He said: “My job is brilliant and there is something different to deal with every hour.

“I might need to do some welding to make a new bracket for a piece of equipment or there might be a straightforward electrical fix.

“I need to think on my feet and the skills I learnt during my apprenticeship have left me able to cope with most situations.

“I didn’t do myself justice at school, so I was made up to win JTL North-East award, but to be recognised as the best in the country would be unbelievable.”

Denis Hird, JTL chief executive, added: “Each of the thirteen finalists has done tremendously well.

“They are a very talented group of young people, who each deserve the recognition they have achieved.”