AN apprentice welder from Shipley has reached the finals of a national skills competition.

Harry Pullan is one of just 10 welding apprentices from across the country who will battle it out in the finals of WorldSkills UK this winter.

The former Keighley College student is now working for Byworth Boilers and earned his place after impressing the judges in the regional heats this month.

He said: “It feels unreal to have reached the final, but I am glad to see my efforts pay off.

“I love my job and to be part of the final 10 in this competition just lets me know I’m in the right place.

“The qualifiers were a good experience because I met some lads from another company and was able to find out a bit about their work, and learn about a few different machines.

“Working as an apprentice has provided me with the best of both worlds because I get all the practical, on-the-job learning and then at college I learn all the technical knowledge and get my qualifications.”

The 23-year-old will be one of more than 400 students and apprentices – competing in 51 skills ranging from digital construction to health and social care – taking part in the WorldSkills UK finals across Greater Manchester from November 14 to 17.