Croydon College student David Jones was shortlisted as one of the final three candidates in the London region as Apprentice of the Year out of 1,600 entries.

The National Apprenticeship Awards, organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, is a yearly award ceremony that celebrates the achievements of apprentices and employers all over England.

Mr Jones, who worked for the Charlton Athletic Community Trust, was seen as an inspiration for youth in the community.

Elly Virgo, skills trainer of Charlton Athletic, said: “David has completely overhauled the sports programme at the club. He has had such a positive influence and the young people think he is great.”

Mr Jones, who studied a Level 2 Apprenticeship Award in Sports and Leadership, was pleased at being nominated.

He commented: “Even though I didn’t win the award, it was a delightful experience and I’m proud to have been shortlisted among so many other candidates.”

David Byford, work-based learning curriculum leader at Croydon College, was delighted with David’s achievement, and said: “We are thrilled for David here at Croydon College, he is a great lad and very modest.”

The award was announ-ced and presented by Tim Campbell, winner of the BBC TV series The Apprentice, who is now working with the Mayor of London’s Ambassador for Training and Enterprise. Regional Apprenticeship director Vic Grimes was also present.

During his apprenticeship, David was sponsored by the Future Jobs Fund which creates jobs for young people in Britain.

FJF is a £1billion investment by the Department of Work and Pensions.

Its aim is to create 150,000 new jobs across Britain in order to support unemployed young people aged 18-24 who have not been in work for over a year.

With more than 13,000 students choosing to study with the college each year, Croydon College is one of the largest providers of further and higher education courses in the South East. It offers more than 350 qualifications.

For more information please contact 020 8760 5914 or visit croydon.ac.uk.