The Thamesteel site in Brielle Way, Sheerness

An apprentice has told how he's determined to finish his qualification - despite losing his job from stricken Thamesteel.

Speaking at the start of apprentice week, Daniel Gebbie from Sheppey, was one of 350 people who lost their jobs when the steel-making giant went into administration.

But he had just six months to go to complete his two-year apprenticeship.

Hundreds of staff were told last month that Thamesteel had gone into administration and workers wouldn't be receiving their January wages.

Administrators are said to be looking for a buyer, with around 20 firms showing an interest. About 50 members of staff were kept on in the interim.

But despite losing his placement he says it's a really good experience to have: "We work; we train - we do everything a normal worker does, but then we also do what a student would do.

"We have a mentor walk around with us. He shows us what to do and how to get on with stuff."

He said news of Thamesteel going into administration was a huge blow.

"We don't know what companies are out there at the moment looking for apprentices, but hopefully we can find something."

He said apprenticeships were particularly useful, as they offered pay rises every six months, so apprentices could build up how much they earned by how well they worked.

Apprentices work with colleges, and Daniel said these had been particularly helpful at this difficult time.

He added: "At the end of the day we are apprentices, and we need the qualifications to finish and get out there again."