Luke Elsmore is an apprentice with IAC Ltd, in Newport. Last week he picked up the Apprentice of the Year award at the Estnet Awards.

Why did you choose to go down the route of an apprenticeship?

I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn a trade, and an apprenticeship seemed like the best way. In an apprenticeship, you can learn things in a practical way, instead of just in a classroom.

Why did you choose and what attracted you to the one that you have with IAC Ltd?

I was attracted to an apprenticeship at IAC due to the work they do. Every job you work on can be the complete opposite to the last. you never work on the same bit of equipment twice, and so every day you learn something new.

What do you enjoy about the apprenticeship that you are completing?

I enjoy learning how each part of the business works. I enjoy working with new people, and learning how they work. You get to learn in a hands on way from people who work in industry, and get to earn a wage while doing so.

What would you say to other people perhaps considering signing up for an apprenticeship?

I'd say that it's a very good path to take. It's not a walk in the park, there's a lot of hard work that you need to put in, but the outcome is worth it. You can learn a trade that will stay with you for life, and you learn it all from people who work in the field every day.

How do you feel being named apprentice on the year in the ESTnet awards?

I'm over the moon. It's good to be recognised for all of the hard work that i put towards both my work and my academic qualifications.

How would you sum up the apprenticeship experience that you have had so far?

I'd say that my apprenticeship has opened up doors to things I'd never have expected it to when I left school at 16. Such as competing against others at a national level, and being given the chance to possibly compete at a world level. I've found new hobbies that were inspired by my work, and met a lot of people willing to help me improve myself, both in my skills at work, and towards my academic qualifications.

What next for Luke Elsmore?

I hope to complete my HNC on move on towards getting a degree, and hopefully representing Team UK in Brazil at World Skills 2015 in August.