Black Country apprentice is country's most talented trainee welder

Dean MacDonald, who works at Doosan Babcock in Tipton, took the top title after successfully completing four challenges.

The 20-year-old competed alongside nine other finalists from across the UK at The Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

He demonstrated his skills with carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium using a combination of techniques.

Dean said he was delighted to have won the competition, adding: "Since getting my apprenticeship at Doosan Babcock, this is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my career.

"I'm really proud to have won the competition and I'm looking forward to doing more to help promote welding as a worthwhile job to other young people."

More than 100 trainee welders applied to take part in this year's SkillWeld competition and Dean was shortlisted for the final stage of the competition after scoring highly in the regional heats, which took place earlier this year.

Age eligible competitors from SkillWeld2014 could be selected to compete for their country at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi in 2017.

Colin Kennedy, Marketing Associate UK & Ireland at Air Products, who helped to organise the competition, said: "All the contestants this year are great ambassadors for their craft and we hope that their achievement will inspire others to consider a career in welding in the future.

"As a qualified welder myself, I know that welding skills can lead to a variety of career opportunities in diverse industries, from the oil and gas industry to metal fabrication."

Competition organisers are already looking for entries for next year's contest.

SkillWeld is a national competition for trainee welders, run by The SkillWeld Committee.

It aims to showcase the skills of trainee welders and recognise the important role played by colleges, training providers and employers in supporting the development of welding skills nationwide