AN apprentice has eyes on setting up his own business after impressing at a transport firm.

Joe Nicholson is looking forward to a career in management after coupling work at Nicholson’s Transport, in Billingham, near Stockton, with a BTEC qualification in business administration at Darlington College.

The 17-year-old, who is from Sadberge, near Darlington, said: “I have a strong interest in the business side of things and I hope one day to set up my own.

“When I left school after my GCSEs, a lot of my friends were going straight to college and university.

“But I knew I wanted to go into work because I’m much more of a practical person.

“An apprenticeship is ideal for me because I am picking up a lot of skills and experience and still working towards qualifications.

“I even have my forklift operator’s licence.”

The teenager started working in the firm's warehouse, but moved into its offices helping manage pallet deliveries across the UK.

He hopes to start a business degree at Teesside University once he completes his two-year apprenticeship.

He added: “I am really glad I chose an apprenticeship because I know I am benefiting from regular work but not missing out on qualifications.”

David Nicholson, managing director, said apprenticeships were incredibly valuable to individuals and companies.

He said: “Joe is flourishing and if he continues to apply himself with the same dedication, he will have a very successful career.”