A BRIDGWATER College student has been named as named the runner-up in the Apprentice of the Year competition.

Tom Heal, 22, from Stogursey received the honour at the regional National Apprenticeship Service awards, held at Somerset Country Cricket Club.

He has completed the Level two and three apprenticeship in mixed farming, as well as other additional qualifications including proficiency tests in fork-lift truck and ATV quad bike use.

Since completing his course, Tom has obtained a farm tenancy on a 180-acre farm, where he hopes to develop a beef and sheep enterprise.

He was previously named as Bridgwater College’s land-based apprentice of the year, as well as the grow Somerset advanced apprentice the year.

Tom said: "I have gained a huge amount of experience and knowledge about many different aspects of working on and managing a farm during the four years of my apprenticeship.

"The confidence I have gained on this course in all farming matters, as well as interacting with fellow apprentices, colleagues and employers, has helped me to gain the position of vice chairman of Bridgwater Young Farmers Club.

"Working within this club I am encouraging the younger members to follow a similar career path to my own."

Geoff Miller, assessor and tutor at Bridgwater College, said: "Whilst working on his placement farms, Tom was an exemplary apprentice, bringing new ideas and expertise which resulted in improved production performances."