IN four years tradesman George Steel has ascended from “rock bottom” to being awarded apprentice of the year.

George, 21, had to fight to gain employment due to his dyslexia.

Now George, from Weeley, has been named JTL Plumbing Apprentice of the Year at a ceremony in London’s Savoy Place at the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

It has been an upward struggle for George.

At 16 he faced giving up an apprenticeship place with Clacton firm Home Heating because of a Government stipulation which meant he had to also attend an apprenticeship college course.

Being severely dyslexic put him at a disadvantage and he failed the entrance exam at Colchester Institute.

However, Home Heating director Dean Perry stuck by George, gaining him a place with training provider JTL, in Holland-on-Sea, where is now the man of the moment.

George said: “I’m over the moon - it’s just unbelievable.

“Four years ago I was shy and quiet but now I’m completely different – I love meeting people and I’ve got the confidence to go into different people’s homes.

“It’s thanks to my apprenticeship I’ve become the person I am today.”

Proud mum Lisa said she sobbed when George accepted his gong.

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In 2012, she began campaigning for the guidelines to be reviewed calling them “flawed” and “defying the point of an apprenticeship scheme”.

Now, she hopes George’s accomplishments - being a fully qualified heating engineer and plumber - will encourage others to not lose faith.

She said: “Four years ago he was at rock bottom.

"I had to be a pushy mum because school and college had written him off, and I would bribe him to stay at school, do his best and keep his nose clean.

“But he now understands dyslexia isn’t a disability or his fault, it’s something that makes him a little bit different to someone else.”

The 19-year-old joined the council’s customer services team as an apprentice benefits assistant last April and has already been nominated for Apprentice of the Year.

Her determination in meeting NVQ targets and deadlines while managing to overcome a number of personal and work-related barriers was cited as a plus point, as well as completing her qualification ahead of schedule.

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She said: “It’s nice to know hard work is recognised within the council and even better knowing there are always people here for support.

“Apprenticeships help encourage young people to do things outside of their comfort zone, whilst progressing into a future career.

“I’m grateful my colleagues see my potential and inspire me to work to my highest ability.”