Forty years of hard work and dedication were recognised this week as NETA's own Dave Thompson brought home a regional title.

Invited along to a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead, the Normanby dad was named Apprenticeship Champion for the North-east.

Hosted by the National Apprenticeship Service, the National Apprenticeship Awards put the spotlight on outstanding apprentices, employers and individuals who champion apprenticeships.

Dave said: “I am delighted to have won an award in what is my 40 year anniversary since I started my apprenticeship, but also the fact that 2018 is the year of engineering.

"I have been involved in engineering all of my working career and I am proud to have supported many apprentices over the years.”

As North-east champion Dave will now take his place at the national final this November.

NETA's Strategic Business Development Co-ordinator, Dave, is proud of his own background as an indentured instrumentation and control apprentice in the steel industry.

He has supported apprentices throughout his career.

Delighted to see Dave win the regional title, NETA Training’s managing director Phil Blewitt said: “NETA Training Group are delighted that Dave has won this prestigious regional award. This award is recognition for all of the hard work, dedication and passion he has shown over the past 40 years in promoting, developing and delivering apprenticeships across our region.

"As an ex Apprentice himself, Dave continues be an outstanding ambassador in promoting the benefits of apprenticeships and remains an inspiration to us all."