A construction trainee is building his way towards a successful future after winning a place at the finals of the UK’s largest multi-trade competition.

Matthew Westhead, who learnt the tricks of his trade at the College of North West London in Willesden, has reached the final stage of SkillBuild 2013.

The 19-year-old is currently employed by property maintenance company PJ Builders but is planning to return to the college to study level 4 carpentry.

He will be competing in the carpentry category against the best trainees in the country at the three-day competition.

More than 100 talented individuals will battle to be crowned the best in their field in a range of skills from stonemasonry to painting and decorating.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to competing and I hope to do the college proud. “The London regionals were the first external competition I had entered and I really enjoyed it.

“I can’t wait to get to Birmingham to start working on my design and bringing it to life.”

The competition starts on November 13 and competitors work to demonstrate their skills by producing work based on drawings unveiled at the start of the competition.

Pat Leavey, head of technology at the college, said: “We always encourage our students to enter competitions as it motivates them, raises their expectations and develops their skills and we’re delighted to see Matthew go through to the national finals of SkillBuild 2013.

“It’s a real testament to the work that he has been doing, and we foresee a bright future ahead for him.”