A Pembrokeshire College student is officially the best in the UK after winning the Skillweld final.

The competition, held at the Welding Institute in Cambridge, is designed to showcase the skills of trainee welders.

This year’s winner was Pembroke Dock resident Steven Kokolin.

“Going into the competition I thought the odds were stacked against me,” said the 21-year-old, who won series of regional heats to make it into the final.

“I’ve really enjoyed taking part in the competitions and have received huge support from both my employer and college tutors.”

Steven is currently in his third year of his apprenticeship with Unit Engineers and Constructors Ltd. The company’s group safety and training manager Mike Bradney said he had done them proud.

“He is extremely concentrated and focused,” said Mike.

“He is dedicated to his course and is an example to others.

“As for the future, the world is his oyster. There are so many openings for welders of his abilities.”

Steven’s tutor Mike Tennick, added: “He is a rare breed who wants to be the best. There are a lot of tidy welders in Pembrokeshire but Steven is a different class.”

Steven is now awaiting his invitation to collect his trophy and to hear if he will be representing the college at WorldSkills in London next year.

He has already built up an impressive haul of prizes, including £600 in vouchers, an automated welding screen, laptop and iPod. He has also been given a year’s free membership to top welding institute TWI.