A plumbing apprentice who impressed with his hard work and dedication has been named trainee of the year.

Barking & Dagenham College student Nick Payne, 22, picked up the Craft Trainee of the Year 2014 at the Building and Engineering Services Association’s annual general meeting, on May 22.

The Rainham-lad works for building contractors J S Wright and gas been training once a week at the college as part of his plumbing apprenticeship with the Building Engineering Services Training scheme.

After the ceremony at Trinity House, central London, Nick said: “Winning this award has really improved my confidence. I am really thankful for the help and support that my company has given me.”

Nick’s lecturer Phil Kershaw said: “I’m delighted for Nick. He’s an excellent student, with the potential to go very far.”

Paul Millington, from J S Wright, said: “Nick is a great employee who has shown he has great talent. This isn’t his first award win, and I’m sure it won’t be his last. We’re all very proud of his achievements.”