A 17-year-old from St Albans is one of seven people starting their apprenticeships at a house-builder.

Harry Bentley is starting a two-year carpentry apprenticeship at Bovis Homes and hoping to gain a Level 3 qualification.

The former Verulam School student aspires to start his own carpentry business in the future.

He said: “I’ve already installed doors, stairs and skirting. I would give to others wanting to get into the housing industry would be to go for it and work hard.”

Performance director Roger Morton said: “Apprentices and young people are the future of this industry and we are building more direct relationships with colleges and schools to offer a range of apprenticeships across the board, not just carpentry and bricklaying.”

To find out more, visit www.bovishomes.co.uk.