MODERN apprentice Andrew Proud has changed his career path to follow in his father's footsteps.
The teenager is working with his father, Michael, in the family plumbing business while completing a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering (Plumbing).
Andrew, from Bishop Auckland, studied joinery at Bishop Auckland College after leaving school, but found it was not the right choice of career.
His new course is funded by the Learning Skills Council County Durham, which seeks to have 14,000 peopled aged 16 to 18 in structured learning by the end of next year.
Andrew said: "My dad is pleased I've followed him into his trade, and maybe one day I'll be able to take the family business over. We have a good laugh working together, and it is great to be able to train and work at the same time."
He will complete his NVQ level two in plumbing before Christmas and will then move on to level three.
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