A NEWLY qualified engineer from Dilton Marsh is celebrating after being named a winner in the British Gas Apprentice of the Year awards.

The win represents a flying start for Tim Cobb’s new career as a British Gas engineer after 10 years with the Royal Mail.

Mr Cobb has been named the best Smart Metering Apprentice to have graduated from the British Gas Training Academy in Tredegar, South Wales, where he trained.

The 37-year-old said: “I found my time at the academy very enjoyable. From the moment I arrived through to the completion of my course, I felt really well looked after.

“I found the course to be really good and it delivered in a way that made it very easy to learn, while always keeping me engaged and wanting to learn more.”

He was previously an army engineer before enjoying a 10-year career with the Royal Mail.

He signed up for the apprenticeship scheme after it was recommended by a friend who had worked as a British Gas engineer for more than 20 years.

Matthew Bateman, Managing Director for Field Operations at British Gas, commented: “We’re thrilled that Tim has been named one of our Apprentices of the Year.

“He has brought some fantastic skills with him from the army, like always going the extra mile to help his team mates.

“He’s been a model apprentice and I’m sure he has a bright future ahead of him.

“Tim and the other finalists for this accolade are testament to the comprehensive training we give our apprentices so they can provide excellent service to our customers.”