A BOURNEMOUTH apprentice has been recognised for his 'inspiring' career journey and admiration for following his dreams in a recent award ceremony.

Apprentice carpenter Will Green, who lives and works in Bournemouth for housing association Aster Group, won Exeter College’s Inspiring Journey Award.

This follows Will changing his career from finance to carpentry in his early 30s in order to pursue what he loved.

Will said: "I wanted to change my career to a field that was going to challenge me in new ways, while being able to learn progressive skills from professionals in a supportive and diverse environment."

The housing association was also recognised by Exeter College for the support and mentoring given to apprentices.

Richard Slayer, contracts supervisor, picked up the Unsung Hero Award in recognition of his commitment and dedication to mentoring not only his own apprentices, but also the wider apprenticeship cohort in other locations and teams across the Group.

The final award for Aster was the Employer Community Award, in recognition of the work done supporting the community through apprentice volunteering activities.

People director, employee relations at Aster ,Jane Pound said: "This is fantastic recognition of the amazing efforts of our apprentices, their colleagues and our partners in delivering positive outcomes to our local communities."