A PLUMBER has urged North-East youngsters to choose apprenticeships after successfully launching his career.

Albert Wingfield was taken on by Dyno Plumbing North-East, in Durham City, after studying at New College Durham.

The 24-year-old, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, says school-leavers must look at apprenticeships because they offer greater job security and skills for life.

Mr Wingfield previously worked for lawnmower maker Husqvarna, which has a plant in Newton Aycliffe, and studied for a fork lift truck drivers' licence to go into warehouse work, before finding a role with Dyno.

He said: “I had my qualifications but people kept telling me there just wasn't enough work and a number of them were also more interested in school-leavers than me because I was slightly older.

“I was about to look into a different trade because I was so frustrated, but that's when I got a call from Dyno asking if I was still interested in doing a plumbing apprenticeship.

“I said yes straightaway.

“Apprenticeships are like the holy grail, you will always have the skills you learn and have a trade for the rest of your life.

“It doesn't matter where you're working, or who it's for, you have the knowledge that can take you further.”

“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, said it was always looking for keen and enthusiastic workers, and was delighted with Albert's contribution.

He said: “We are interested in people more about how they are as a person and what their aspirations are.

“If you choose the right person with the right attitude, you have somebody to work with.

“Albert is a valuable member of the team and an absolutely sound guy.

“He is going to be one for the future and I hope we can find another Albert when we start recruiting again.”