Marcus Ballinger, from Ross-on-Wye has started his apprenticeship training programme with Wales & West Utilities as he bids to play a key role in the future of the company.

Marcus successfully earned a place on the company’s highly regarded apprenticeship programme and he will now train to support its multi-million pound work across Wales and the south west of England.

He is part of the company’s latest apprenticeship programme, which sees 24 people from across its operating area join the company.

The three-year programme will help the young people develop the skills to deliver a fast, efficient service that will keep customers safe and warm with a gas supply they can rely on for years to come.

Marcus, who is 18years old, said: “I am thrilled to have been accepted onto Wales & West Utilities apprenticeship scheme. The number of places on offer meant the competition was extremely tough, so getting a place is amazing.

“Wales & West Utilities has an impressive record of continuous training and it means I can now develop my career in a working environment with some of the best training in the industry.

“Making sure 7.5 million people are kept safe and warm is no mean feat and maintaining the gas distribution network is an ongoing task. I am looking forward to playing my part and benefiting communities throughout Wales and the south west of England.”

The apprentices will carry out all their training at Wales & West Utilities’ state of the art training academies in Treforest, south Wales, and Bridgwater, Somerset, as well as local colleges.