AN apprentice who gained valuable experience through the new Mersey Gateway project has landed a full time job.

Harry Watts, from Runcorn, was offered an apprenticeship with IT and cloud computing specialist Adept4, a company that works closely with new bridge builders Merseylink.

The 22-year-old was recruited through Merseylink's employment skills programme which has placed 28 young people with its supply chain over the past three years.

Harry, who worked with the company for almost a year, said: "I was made up when I was offered the chance to take up a position with Adept4.

"I have managed to complete a range of IT and computing qualifications and have gained experience on some extremely exciting IT projects.

“The chance to work at the company full time was a dream opportunity.

"I'd like to thank everyone at Adept4 and Merseylink for their help without which I wouldn't have had this chance."

Jane Crothers, head of service operations at Adept4, said: "We're really pleased that Harry has joined the team on a full-time basis.

"Harry has passed all the qualifications which are essential to a career in IT and networking.

"Since joining us he has grown in confidence and was doing such a good job that we offered him a full time contract. He is going from strength to strength."

Adept4 is one of many consultancy groups working alongside the Merseylink team.

The partnership arrangement has proved successful and has also led to partnerships with highways specialist Lafarge Tarmac, scaffolding specialist Altrad, Sword Engineering and Adept4.