A STOURBRIDGE Golf Club apprentice is on course for a successful career having picked up a regional award.

Tom Goode, 18, a food and beverage assistant at the Worcester Lane club, was named Apprentice of the Year for Staffordshire and the Black Country at HIT Training’s annual honours.

He beat off stiff competition from eight other finalists all working across a wide spectrum of hospitality businesses in the area including hotels, care homes and bistros.

Currently working on his Level 2 Food and Beverage qualification, Tom originally started part time in the kitchen at the golf club while completing a college course in engineering.

Stephanie Houghton, trainer-assessor at HIT Training – which delivers Tom’s apprenticeship, said: “Since starting his apprenticeship, Tom’s confidence has increased enormously and he’s now a valued member of staff who is trusted to take responsibility for specific events and functions.

“Tom is a great example of how apprenticeships work as when he started, he was very quiet and had little interaction with customers.

“As he became more confident, his enthusiasm for learning increased and he was given more responsibility - he’s also now on track to complete his apprenticeship even earlier than planned.”

Tom, who hopes to one day run his own pub, said: “If anyone’s considering an apprenticeship, they should definitely go for it.

“My new knowledge and skills have enabled me to progress so quickly.”