Allied Protek and Grimsby Institute apprentice Macaulay Reavill was given a hero’s welcome home after representing the nation at the World Skills finals in Abu Dhabi (www.grimsby.ac.uk), where the 21-year-old competed against young men and women from 37 countries.

The sheet-metal apprentice competed in ‘construction metalwork’ after an intense two-year process, winning regional heats, a national final and the European final (www.alliedprotek.co.uk).

He also had to survive a team selection showdown, before finally being chosen to showcase his skills at the highest level.

Nick Marshall, engineering curriculum manager at Grimsby Institute, said: “We’ve supported Macaulay as a talent for several years, and to get as far as he has done is absolutely phenomenal; he’s the best in the UK in his particular skill for his age group.

“His determination and character have always stood out, as well as his skill level. He also has a real passion for what he does.”

Macaulay said: “It’s been a massive confidence boost for my career. I started in quite a small town as a sheet-metalwork apprentice, and I was quite proud of myself just for getting an apprenticeship.

never really had any ambition to go any further, but when I got selected for the team, it pushed me.

“The training sessions have really accelerated my learning, and the knowledge you get from competing at world level is unparalleled.”

Allied Protek managing director Paul Wilson said: “Macaulay is a first-class employee and an example to every future apprentice or trainee at either Grimsby Institute or Allied Protek.

“He goes out of his way to help the younger ones coming through; he’s a really good lad.”