AN apprentice at a Basildon firm who got his job after impressing interviewers with his design of an electric guitar has fought off national competition to be one of three finalists for a prestigious award.

Marc Bartholomew, 23, joined the apprenticeship scheme at marine technology firm Leonardo after his electric guitar, which he designed and built for his BTEC in Engineering., swung things in his favour.

Marc, of Wickford, now works within the Optronics department of the firm, which has an office in Basildon, and recently received a Recognising Excellence Award for the oil rig surveys he performed in Malaysia.

He has been shortlisted as the Apprentice of the Year in a competition run by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Marc said: “I’ve really enjoyed working at Leonardo as it means I’ve been able to remain in the Basildon area, yet still gain training in one of the most innovative environments you could imagine.

“I am really quite excited about being nominated for this award, as it highlights the importance of my involvement in the company so far. I feel that some of the projects I’ve been selected to work on have really helped me build my skill set.”

Marc will attend the IET Achievement Awards Ceremony, in London on November 16.

Winners will get a trophy, certificate, £1,000 and two years’ free membership of the IET.

Professor Jeremy Watson incoming IET President said: “The standard of this year’s entries was higher than ever, making the judging extremely difficult.They have been recognised by the IET for their achievements and for being role models.”