The cream of tomorrow’s crop of plumbers were celebrated at a special awards ceremony in Dagenham on Friday.

Choice Training, in Wantz Road, offers vocational plumbing and electrical courses, training up to 160 young people every academic year.

As the current academic year draws to a close, seven students were awarded with prizes for the most improved and highest achiever in levels one to three.

Darren Hurley, 20, from Plaistow was named “Apprentice of the Year” and dreams of launching his own business when he finishes his level three training next year.

“It was really great to win an award,” he said.

“The apprenticeship way of training is the best for me – earning while you learn – and each day is different which I like.

“Hopefully in a few years time I’ll be running my own company.”

Charlie Bruns, 16, of Keir Hardy Way, Barking, found life difficult at school, and finished his time at Sydney Russel only two days a week.

Now learning a trade he enjoys, he received a “most improved” award for Level One and hopes to launch his own business as well.

“I was really proud to pick up the award,” he said.

“It’s not like being at school here, they treat you like an adult, making it much more enjoyable.

“Every day’s different and I really want to go far in the plumbing industry.”

Offering City and Guilds diplomas and NVQ apprenticeships, Choice boast a wide range of options for both men and women – last year four female apprenticeship places were given out for free.

Choice Training managing director Rob Maw said: “It’s a really proud moment seeing the students rewarded for their achievements.

“With their qualifications they can really go onto big things.”