A CAREER conscious Crowton trainee is celebrating after being rewarded for his efforts in adding to his qualifications while working.

Andrew Williamson, a first assistant at Delamere Forest Golf Club, took the Apprentice of the Year title at an awards ceremony at Reaseheath College, in Nantwich.

He earned the plaudit for achieving his Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Sportsturf in record time and for the high quality of his work.

Andrew has been getting the best of both worlds by working four days a week for the golf club and studying at Reaseheath College on one day a week.

Known as a modern apprenticeship, the course allows wage earning trainees to gain nationally recognised qualifications while the employers benefit from their staff's new skills.

Andrew was among 30 apprentices to celebrate success this year.

His advanced modern apprenticeship include NVQ Level Three in Sportsturf plus key skills, first aid and an industry-related qualification.

Other successful apprentices from Vale Royal include Tom Calder, of Tarporley; Andrew Lawless, of Antrobus; Laura Neary, of Helsby; and Tom Finlay, of Northwich.

The prizes were presented by john Warham, area manager for the Learning and Skills Council Cheshire and Warrington, which funds the modern apprenticeship scheme.

Congratulating the trainees, the college's vice principal Dave Kynaston stressed that the value of apprenticeships was that the trainees had to prove competence in a great range of skills, which were invaluable in the workplace.

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk