Sam Buckley, 21, has received the Advanced Apprentice of the Year title at the National Apprenticeships Awards working with Ideal Heating.

An Ideal Heating apprentice has won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year title for the Yorkshire & Humber region.


Marking the end of his fifth year of apprenticeship Sam Buckley, 21, received the accolade at the National Apprenticeships Awards 2010.


Buckley won the judges over after completing an Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship and gaining a Higher Professional Diploma while working for Ideal Heating's Maintenance department.


The company said he impressed the judging panel "with his high level of knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment".


"Sam has proven to be an excellent ambassador for our scheme," said human resources manager, Debbie Skalli of the programme, which has been running for 40 years. She added that Buckley had also shown himself to be "the perfect role model for the younger recruits coming through".


Buckley said: "I've put a lot of hard work in over the five years of my apprenticeship and it's great to have that recognised. Plus it's a brilliant start to my career."