TEENAGER William Palmer has landed a training provider's student of the year award.

William, 17, of Cruddas Park, Newcastle, was given the award by Key Training after his success in NVQ Level 2 business administration.

He is working as a trainee accounts clerk with the Central Employment Agency, helping finance clerks with administrative tasks.

He said: "I have always been interested in finance and being able to get on-the-job experience and a qualification at the same time has been a real benefit. I am really pleased to win this award and feel as though all my hard work has paid off.

"Now that I have my NVQ Level 2 I have a real drive to learn more and have recently taken my Level 2 accounting technician exams.

"If I pass this I can go on to Levels 3 and 4 and learn more to help me move on further in my career.''

Central Employment Agency managing director Jo Caprelian said: "William is an example of how work-based learning can help young people develop their skills and realise their ambitions.

"I am delighted with his progress and I am sure he will go on to do very well in his accounting technicians exams and develop his career in finance.'