AN apprentice from Worcester has received a helping hand building a sold future with a grant from a local firm.

Heart of Worcestershire College student and Stepnell Ltd apprentice, Daniel Little, has won £500 after entering his work into a competition run by local builders merchant Travis Perkins.

Robin Walker MP announced the winner of the Travis Perkins competition at the official opening the new Worcester branch, on McKenzie Way, on Friday, June 30.

Mr Little, from Bewdley, entered work from his latest carpentry project – an oak veneered door installed with ironmongery.

The 32-year-old, who is retraining after spending four years as a bricklayer, said: “I used all the latest technology such as router jigs to cut out the locks and hinges.”

He is also building a flat roof for an apartment building for the elderly in Bromsgrove.

“I love to take pride in everything I do and the sense of satisfaction you get when you produce something to a high standard," he added.

"But I also feel like I’m giving back to the community.”

Darren Godsall, manager of the McKenzie Way branch, said: “We wanted to encourage young tradespeople, and help set them up for a career in the industry because it’s vital that we nurture and highlight the up and coming generation of skilled workers.”

As part of his 2017 General Election campaign, Mr Walker called for more and better apprenticeships for the city’s youth.

He has challenged Worcestershire businesses to create 15,000 new apprentices by 2020.

Joanne Kotlerzweski, of Heart of Worcestershire College, said: “There’s a huge skills gap in construction at the moment with over 30,000 skilled workers needed.

"It’s important to see big players like Travis Perkins leading by example by encouraging apprenticeships in the Worcester area.

"The competition is a great illustration of this as it’s helped stimulate the development of our local talent.”

Heart of Worcestershire College students and apprentices were invited to send snaps of their projects, along with a short covering description of what was involved.

The official launch event was attended by construction industry apprentices from the Heart of Worcestershire College, tradesmen and Travis Perkins branch staff, along with Mr Walker.