A FORMER Chester-le-Street apprentice was a runner-up in a TV show that highlights young people’s talent.

Karl Barker, 22, was one of four contestants in the carpentry category of BBC Three’s Young Talent of the Year show, which was screened on Sunday (feb19). He was nominated by CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for the construction industry.

The show saw Karl compete against three other carpenters from across the country in front of a live audience. The judges described him as ‘a great talent’.

He completed practical challenges under intense pressure and against the clock, including fitting a complete functioning kitchen in just three hours and creating a floating duck house.

He was interviewed by carpentry experts and the programme makers.

He narrowly missed out on the first place prize to Tirbhavan Singh Chodha from Leeds.

Karl said: "I was delighted to be part of the final and to get so far is a real achievement.

"Being a part of Young Talent of the Year has been a fantastic experience and I hope that it has shown how varied and fulfilling careers in construction can be."

Russell Buckley, Regional Development Manager for CITB-ConstructionSkills in the North-East, said: "Karl’s achievement is an excellent advocacy for apprentices and we’re delighted that his hard work has been recognised.

"It is vital that we showcase talent to attract new blood into construction for the future growth of the industry. Karl has demonstrated that the value that apprentices can bring to employers."

Previously a North-East regional winner in the Federation of Master Builders Apprentice of the Year, Karl is studying for a foundation degree in construction management after completing his apprenticeship and Higher National Certificate last year.

He has also recently set up his own business, Renobuild Joinery and Building Projects.