A JOINERY apprentice working for a Worcester firm is celebrating after winning a prestigious industry award.

Harry Castle won Apprentice of the Year in the Federation of Master Builders' 2021 Midlands awards after a challenging year which also saw him hospitalised with coronavirus.

Harry, 19, is from Evesham and is working for city firm David Smallcombe Ltd after leaving school at 16. He was nominated for his dedication and talent, and was crowned Apprentice of the Year on May 12.

Harry became critically-ill after catching Covid-19 in April 2020 and was rushed to hospital and put on a ventilator.

Covid left him weak and exhausted, but with his college, Worcester College, closed, Harry took it upon himself to work on his portfolio himself, determined to pass his apprenticeship.

He returned to work full time just six months after becoming so ill, surprising his medical team and colleagues with his positive attitude and demonstrating impressive progress in his practical skills.

He said: "After a really tough year, it is such an achievement to have not only been nominated, but to have also won the Midlands Best Apprentice award.

"I am really thankful for the opportunity and support that David Smallcombe Ltd has given me, as well as Jack, our workshop manager, whose training has given me such confidence."

David Smallcombe, who nominated Harry for the award, said: “We have been training apprentices for over 30 years, and Harry stands out as an exceptional example of a perfect apprentice.

“Coming into our workshop straight from school at 16, Harry found the long physical days quite arduous, but was determined to succeed. His constructive work ethic and determination to overcome any obstacles have helped him to meet every difficulty with a positive outlook.”

Harry has completed his Level 2 joinery apprenticeship and an NVQ Level 2 in wood occupations - architectural joinery and will study for his level 3 later this year.

David Smallcombe Ltd made it two wins at the Midlands Master Builder Awards sponsored by Tradepoint when they also scooped the prize for best Bathroom Project.

The team impressed judges with the bespoke luxury bathroom they created for the principle bedroom suite in a new-build home in Cropthorne, Worcestershire.

Judges commented that the project demonstrated “excellent craftsmanship with clever and ambitious use of technology.”