A 21-year-old from Washington, Tyne & Wear, has scooped two top awards as part of his apprenticeship to become a mechanical engineer.

Stuart Widdowfield, who works for Inviron, the leading and award-winning building systems and facilities management provider, won the HVCA 4th Year Apprentice of the Year Award and the George Coase Trophy for Best Overall Apprentice.

The awards, organised by the Heating, Ventilation and Contractors Association (HVCA), celebrate the best workers and companies in the sector.

Stuart was presented with his awards by HVCA National President John Miller at a ceremony at Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham in front of 200 guests.

He commented: "I was absolutely delighted to win these awards, and am very proud of my achievements. I have enjoyed my apprenticeship with Inviron and believe that I have learnt through having the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects. I look forward to gaining more experience as a pipe fitter/heating engineer and, in time hope to take on more responsibility on projects."

Alan Crozier, General Manager of Inviron's Building Systems, North East, said: "It is fantastic to be able to celebrate a success of this type, particularly in light of the company's ongoing commitment to recruiting and training apprentices and in particular, in light of the hard work of that has gone into supporting our Apprenticeship Programme by our operations manager Brian Falcus.

"We all look forward to seeing Stuart's career with Inviron develop over many years to come."

Stuart joined Inviron in September 2003 after being recruited in conjunction with Building Services Engineering Training (BEST). From the outset he has shown enthusiasm and commitment that set him out from the crowd. Over the past four years, his work and studies have been of the highest levels, resulting in this well deserved recognition.