AN APPRENTICE plasterer with a Deeside firm has been named one of Wales’ most talented trainees.

Bobby Blythin, 19, of Blacon, an apprentice at AR Jones Plastering Contractors, won the plastering category at the construction section of Skills Competition Wales, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.

And later this month he will go on to bid for the UK title.

Almost 60 students took part in the Welsh final at Bridgend College after qualifying through four regional heats in February.

Competitors were given five hours to complete a brief, based on real life tasks, to test their skills.

Yale College student Bobby was one of only 15 medal winners. He has been a trainee at the firm’s base at Garden City Industrial Estate for 18 months.

Barbara Lloyd-Jones, company secretary at AR Jones Plastering, said: “Bobby joined us from school as a trainee plasterer and within weeks we could see the potential that he had to offer, which was why we encouraged him to attend college, where his skills were also recognised.

“Everyone here is very proud of Bobby. He is a credit to AR Jones Plastering Contractors and we all wish him well for the next stage of the competition.”

Skills Competition Wales aims to find the country’s most talented vocational students and tradespeople.