David, 21, who lives at Bailiff Bridge and works in the design and drawing office of Brighouse-based air conditioning designers and manufacturers TEV Ltd, believed he was just there to receive his NVQ Level three certificate.

It came as a complete surprise when he received the engineer of the year award and apprentice of the year from Huddersfield MP and guest of honour, Barry Sheerman.

"It was a great evening. I really had no idea that I would win," said David, who was presented with trophies and a lap top.

"Everyone at work has been very complimentary."

Alan Jagger, Chairman of Brighouse-based trainers KITS, said his company's long-established relationships with local employers ensured the sort of effective training that was demanded by educationalists concerned about post school learning in the UK.

Mr Sheerman commended KITS for the bond that has been established between its own assessors and successive enineering and motor vehicle apprentices and for providing such an important service to the local community.

"We need to drive up these skills and the apprenticeship programme delivered by KITS is a fantastic qualification," he said.