A former joinery apprentice from Bradford has been earmarked as a rising star by his employer and promoted to management trainee.

Waleed Azam, 23, a former carpenter, works for housing regeneration specialist Lovell which is carrying out major housing improvements for Bradford’s largest social housing group Incommunities.

Waleed was promoted after impressing his bosses while studying for an NVQ Level 3 qualification in carpentry and joinery which he completed earlier this year. He learnt his trade working on housing sites as part of Incommunities’ multi- million pound improvements to its local housing stock.

As a member of the Lovell Management Development Academy, Waleed will gain practical managerial experience and also study for BTEC and Higher National Certificate qualifications.

Sharon Tyer, Lovell’s regional training advisor, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer him this opportunity and help him develop his skills.”