Warren Cooke, 19, from Calf Close, Jarrow, failed to settle in a job after leaving Jarrow School.

He joined Youth Choice, a project run by South Tyneside Council to support young people into work, and has never looked back.

Project co-ordinator Liz McHugh has nominated him for Top Achiever in the Pride of South Tyneside Awards.

She said: "Warren joined Youth Choice in January 2007 and gave nothing less than 110 per cent.

"The project is designed to motivate and encourage young people to fulfil their potential through supported employment and Warren has worked really hard to reach his desired goals.

"On leaving school, he tried a couple of manual jobs, but did not seem to settle.

"Through the project, Warren gained the support of a volunteer mentor, learning the importance of inclusion and being supported.

"He entered Youth Choice with few academic qualifications, but since then he has excelled.

"He attended all organised training courses, completing his NVQ level 2 in business administration and passing his level 2 in literacy and numeracy.

"Warren gained permanent employment with the council's Streetscape department as an apprentice engineer. He is now studying the BTEC National Certificate in civil engineering."

Mr Cooke said he has progressed "quite quickly" in the last 18 months and wants to go on to do a degree.

"I'm really pleased to be nominated," he added. "It makes me feel appreciated."

* The Pride of South Tyneside Awards, now in their sixth year, are organised by the Gazette, South Tyneside Council and the Customs House.
Ten awards are up for grabs – Carer of the Year, Community Group of the Year, Greener South Tyneside, Sporting Excellence, Top Achiever, Child of Courage, Good Friend/Neighbour, Role Model of the Year, Young Performer(s) of the Year and a Judges' Special Award.

The closing date has now passed for nominations. The awards ceremony will take place at the Customs House on Thursday, July 10.