A YOUNG hairdresser from Worcestershire has won a top national apprentices award.

Twenty-years-old Joe Reynolds, who lives in Pirton, near Pershore and works at VIP Barbers in Malvern, received the hair and beauty apprentice of the year award as part of the Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards held at the Tower of London. Now in their fourth year, these annual awards recognise, reward and celebrate the personal successes and resulting career development of individuals who have completed an apprenticeship qualification with Bristol-based Lifetime Training.

Mr Reynolds said: "I’m in shock, I’ve never won an award before so this is just amazing. It means so much to me and I’ve worked really hard to achieve my very best in something I absolutely love doing. To be recognised in these awards is a proud moment. The other finalists are all incredible so I feel very lucky.”

As part of his journey, Mr Reynolds Lifetime’s level two barbering apprenticeship. On leaving school at 16, he struggled to find an apprenticeship. Working tirelessly to circulate his CV, visit local barbers and find work to earn a living, his dreams started to become a reality when he enrolled with Lifetime at the age of 18. Now with nearly three years’ experience under his belt, a new mature outlook on life, he is making his mark on the industry. Earlier this year Mr Reynolds' work was featured on the world’s largest barber Instagram page.

Alex Khan, chief executive of Lifetime Training, said: “The life and career journeys of our finalists all vary dramatically but there’s one common thread throughout – professional training does make such a difference. The finalists are all inspirational, and the winners truly exceptional. A big congratulations to Joe and I wish him every success in his future career.”