AN apprentice plasterer is aiming to achieve his ambition and take part in the WorldSkills championship in Russia.

Will Johnson, 18, is already winning competitions with his plastering skills and hopes to match his brother Robert, 23, who travelled to Brazil last year to represent Great Britain in the tournament.

Will works for his father, Peter, in Classic Plaster Moulds, the family's business in Middlesbrough, where he also attends college every Monday for his apprenticeship training.

So far, he’s had a 100 per cent record since starting his level 3 training in fibrous plastering – and is currently waiting to hear if he’s through to the national final after winning the senior regional Skill Build plastering competition at Darlington.

Mr Johnson said: "I encouraged both of my boys to do apprenticeships – we do fibrous plastering here, and I’m teaching them the traditional skills, but it’s good to go to college and learn the modern methods too.

"It’s up to Will now. All we can do is support him in his efforts – Middlesbrough College is giving him good support, and he’s pretty level-headed."

Robert’s training has led to great things – he has become regarded as one of the best plasterers in the country and is currently working with his father on a special exhibition for British Gypsum’s head quarters in London as well as lecturing on his trade.

The regional Skill Build competitions are one step on the road to the WorldSkills championship, which are held every two years.

Will is aiming for the 2019 contest at Kazan in Russia.

He said: "To get there would really be something to achieve – and it will give me the chance to go to Russia, which I’d probably never have otherwise."