A HEATING engineer from Faversham has shown it’s never too late to learn.

Wayne Wheeler, 31, has been voted national Trainee of the Year by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA) after entering the profession as a mature student.

Wayne, who works for Canterbury firm H W Sladdens, has to combine his daily work with studies at Canterbury College.

"After being made redundant, I looked for other career opportunities and Sladdens allowed me to learn as a mature student," said Wayne. "I’m really grateful to them and the HVCA. Although I’ve worked really hard and totally retrained, I am really thrilled to get this award."

HW Sladdens’ director Martin Burton said: "Wayne’s very committed and proud of his work and the judges commented that he stood out in the competition.

"At Sladdens we encourage our staff to do well and are extremely proud of Wayne. I hope his example will encourage other youngsters to think about taking up an apprenticeship."