A teenager with type 1 diabetes has picked up an apprenticeship with a Chippenham firm, after his illness stopped him from following a childhood dream to join the army.

Alex Wiltshire has joined the team at John Williams Heating Services Ltd as the company’s latest apprentice.

The 17-year-old, who is a former student at Abbeyfield School in Chippenham is completing his Level 3 apprenticeship in heating and plumbing with the company through Wiltshire College.

Alex said: “I’m loving it, it’s been really fun and is the best decision I’ve made for my future.

"I’m learning through hands-on experience, I’m being productive and I’m meeting people.

"I’m earning and learning at the same time and enjoying the variety.

"One day I’m working at someone’s home in Chippenham, the next day I’m in Devizes. I’m loving it.”

Alex decided an apprenticeship would work for him when he was about 12 years old.

As a child he’d wanted to join the Army however as a diabetic that option was ruled out.

“I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was three. I’ve grown up with this condition, I understand it and I’ve never let it hold me back and I don’t’ intend changing that,” Alex said.

Founders of John Williams Heating Services, John and Debbie have always been committed to employing apprentices.

They currently have several within the team and many of their engineers have already risen through the company having fully qualified.

Debbie said: “John started as an apprentice and we’ve always supported apprenticeships since our business was founded 16 years ago. We believe it’s a fantastic way for anyone to start out in a career.

“Alex is a joy in the office, he’s keen, enthusiastic and he wants to succeed.

"We’re lucky to have him working as part of our team.”

John Williams Heating Services is a Worcester accredited installer, registered with Gas Safe and is a member of Oftec, the trade association monitoring best practice in oil heating installation and repair. The company is based on the Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate in Chippenham.

For more details visit http://jwheating.co.uk