A WORCESTER teenage apprentice has made it through to the final of a national competition.

Chris Davies who is currently working towards his carpentry qualification at Heart of Worcester College, is one of 10 national finalists in the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2017 competition.

During the semi-finals, judges from the firm recognised the 17-year-old's passion for carpentry, along with the dedication and enthusiasm towards his course.

It has earned him a spot in the grand final, being held at Google's Head Office in London later this month.

At the final he will complete a group task and a one-to-one interview in front of a panel of judges.

The 17-year-old said: "I am so excited to be one of the finalists in the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition.

"I think this competition is such a great way to support apprentices and help progress careers in the trade industry. "Ever since I was young I always knew I wanted to go into carpentry and follow in the footpath of most of my family.

"Carpentry is more than a career to me, it is something that ties my family all together and that I have a real passion for.

"There is no greater feeling than seeing all the hard work I put into a job once completed, it is so rewarding to see.”

The competition winner will walk away with the title of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2017, receiving a business and trade bundle worth £10,000, including a laptop with accessories, £5,000 worth of Screwfix products and funds for future training courses to help kick start their career.

Andrew Livingston, CEO of Screwfix said: “There is an ongoing focus on the importance of apprenticeships for the UK economy and for construction in particular, which is facing a significant skills gap.

“Chris is an example of a motivated young person who will be an integral part of the carpentry industry and a successful future tradesperson.

"I’d like to wish him and all the finalists the best of luck."