Chip off old block.

Runner up:

For Darren Major, an apprenticeship with a North East joinery firm is a dream come true.

He has worked for Sunderland-based Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) for four years and is already in demand from site managers impressed with his work.

Since leaving Easington Comprehensive with average GCSEs, he has sped through NVQs at levels one, two and three in joinery and craft at New College Durham in record time.

He is now working towards an advanced level-five NVQ in carpentry and joinery and a higher national certificate in building studies.

Over the last couple of years he has put his skills to good use helping his father David build a new family home.

He was named FHM's apprentice of the year and runner-up in the North East Skills Build Carpentry and Joinery Competition.

Darren, 19, from Yoden Manor, Blackhall, County Durham, said: "I love it. It's a great way to earn a living. I feel I have a real skill.

"I didn't really like studying at school but I've not minded doing joinery coursework because I can see myself improving.

"Eventually I'd like to be a site manager."

Darren's success has been recognised by FHM's parent company Keepmoat, which has asked him to spearhead a national recruitment campaign.

His story is included in their promotional brochures.

Keith Matthews, maintenance manager at FHM, said: "Darren has worked extremely hard to develop new skills and achieve high-level professional qualifications in a short time.

"His college reports have been excellent and are evidence of the progress he has made academically and professionally since joining the company."