AT THE age of 19, Patrick McKay has become the youngest tradesman to work in the Clyde shipyards.

The Glasgow teenager has completed an apprenticeship scheme to qualify for a full-time job as a mechanical engineer and will help build Britain's new generation of warships.

The bustling yards at Scotstoun and Govan are constructing the world's most advanced fleet of destroyers and will also partially build Britain's two biggest aircraft carriers.

Patrick, from Knightswood, has a double reason to celebrate - he was also named Apprentice Of The Year after BAE managers and college trainers and teachers agreed he was the most outstanding apprentice.

He said: "I'm really pleased to get the award. It's a great achievement and I'm proud to have got it.

"There are some really exciting times ahead on the Clyde. With the completion of the Type 45 destroyers and the start of the new aircraft carriers it is a great opportunity for me to develop my skills even further."

He's one of 100 men and women who have graduated from a three-year modern apprenticeship scheme operated by yard chiefs with BAE Systems.

They are all now fully- qualified craftsmen and technicians who have a bright future on the Clyde, which is guaranteed work for the next decade.

And their success was toasted by managing director Vic Emery, who successfully trained as a shipyard apprentice draughtsman.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted and proud to be able to award so many certificates of completion.

"Much has changed in the 40 years since I completed my own apprenticeship, but it remains true that it's the skills and dedication of the workforce that continue to deliver the most outstanding warships in the world to the Royal Navy and other customers.

"These are the men and women who will continue to ensure that Clydebuilt' remains the highest mark of quality in warship building long into the future."

Patrick's uncle works as a shipwright in the yards, where his older brother is also a welder.