Michael Crowe, 20, is competing for the Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award in the national Apprenticeship Awards 2009.

He completed an advanced apprenticeship in engineering at South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust in July 2008, going on to full-time employment at the Trust as a biomedical engineer.

Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles and materials technology to healthcare.

This can include researching, designing and developing medical products, or managing the use of clinical equipment in hospitals and the community.

Michael believes his apprenticeship has given him skills he will be able to use throughout his career.

He said: "Not only is it important to have a high degree of technical knowledge and skill, but I have to be able to understand and communicate complex information to various hospital colleagues.

"At the end of the day, the quality of service I provide has a direct impact on patient care and well-being, some of whom may be particularly vulnerable such as the terminally ill, children and premature babies."

Now in their sixth year, the Apprenticeship Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the key role they play in today's world.

Michael, from Sunderland, will join the other 22 finalists at the ceremony on Thursday, July 16, at Old Billingsgate, central London.

Simon Waugh, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: "In the economic climate, it is crucial to recognise the importance of training programmes such as apprenticeships.

"These awards are a great way of demonstrating the impact apprentices have had, and will always have, on this country.

"It is a real honour to be involved in my first awards ceremony and to help celebrate this country's talent and commitment to training."