To mark National Apprentice Week, a 17-year-old from Sidcup has spoken of his "pride" to have been included in a scheme run by UK Power Networks.

News Shopper spoke to Harvey Bridge, who qualified as one of 100 young people to make the cut for the apprenticeship scheme.

National apprenticeship week is a weeklong event running from February 3 this year.

It aims to celebrate success stories from apprenticeship schemes.

Harvey joined the UK Power Networks apprenticeship scheme straight after secondary school in the hopes of starting a career in the electricity industry.

He knew that he would prefer a hands-on apprenticeship that would provide him with an income whilst training on the job.

Over the next three years, Harvey will train to become a qualified cable jointer.

As part of his role, Harvey will manage the safe repair, maintenance and connection of underground cables that power homes.

Speaking on his role Harvey said: “I’m very proud of the role I’ll be playing here.

“It makes me feel like I have a lot of responsibility on my hands and that I will be making a positive contribution to society.

“It’s like a big community in this company and everyone is really friendly, it feels like a second home.

Steven Read, trainees programme manager at UK Power Networks, said:

“This is an exciting time to join one of the best apprenticeships in the country.

They will receive extensive training in the classroom, mentoring and coaching, on-the-job work supervision and skills for life.”

To find out more about National Apprenticeship week email the.week@education.gov.uk