APPRENTICE winner Lee McQueen dropped into Hillingdon to give a stirring speech to young council apprentices.

The 2008 winner of Alan Sugar's BBC television show, popped in today (Monday), as part of the local authority's initiative to get young people straight into careers.

Lee McQueen, who grew up in South Ruislip, has close links to Hillingdon Training who train the young apprentices, and his visit marked the beginning of National Apprentice Week.

Lee, who is the managing director of Alan Sugar's digital company AmScreen, said: "I wish I had these sorts of schemes when I was finding my way, I want to help others achieve to the sort of level that I have."

Dan Stewart is an apprentice working with Hillingdon Council’s Learning and Development team. He said: "Working for Hillingdon as an apprentice has been a great experience and given me plenty of opportunities to learn new skills.

"Everyone I have met has been so welcoming and I would like to encourage anyone who is considering an apprenticeship to do so as they won’t be disappointed."

Lee McQueen will also be attending a Careers Fair in the Pavilions on Tuesday 16 February between 2pm and 3.30pm.