A TALENTED young apprentice from Kilbrinie has won a prestigious regional apprentice award.

Matthew Gilliland, 21, who works for Rolls-Royce, fought off competition from across the region to take gold in the Intermediate & Advanced Final Year Apprentice Award.

Judges said they had been overwhelmed by the high calibre of apprentices nominated this year, making Matthew’s win even more of an achievement.

Matthew impressed judges with his commitment, ambition and drive to pursue a career in manufacturing. The award recognises the outstanding contribution being made by manufacturing apprentices across the region.

It is highly-respected and hotly contested with winners selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics.

Matthew is now in the running for the national title where he will go head-to-head with regional winners from across the UK at the national awards gala in London in January next year.

Matthew said: “I’m delighted to have been named regional winner.

“I’m only at the start of my career but already I know I am doing something that I enjoy and winning this will motivate me even further.

“I hope that others can see my success and are inspired to take up a career in manufacturing too. I can’t wait to meet the other winners at the national final and to see how I get on.”

Terry Scuoler CBE, CEO at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said: “Matthew undoubtedly deserves this award. He won the judges over with this hard work, enthusiasm and dedication.

“With such a high calibre of candidates this year, Matthew’s success is even more of an achievement."