The 24-year-old, who joined Leeds College of Building a year ago, has pledged to bring hot water and central heating to hundreds of islanders back home in Fiji.

Water systems have proved a problem on the South Pacific island for years.

Gaberieli, who comes from an area where there are few educational and employment opportunities, has spoken of his desire to bring heating and warm water to householders.

Last week he moved a step closer to becoming a plumber and teacher of better plumbing practices, when he was named ASET Learner of the Year at a ceremony in London.

Gaberieli said: "Without my sponsors I would never have been able to come to the UK to study and without the expert tuition of the college, I would not have been able to realise my dream of becoming a plumber."

His success comes as a row broke in the international community over bottled water.

The BBC's Panorama revealed that Fiji is now one of the most exclusive sources of bottled water sold in Britain, yet a third of people there still do not have access to clean drinking water.

Researchers also visited villages where bad water had triggered an outbreak of typhoid with one death and 20 more infected.

Drinking a bottle of water has the same impact on the environment as driving a car for a kilometre, revealed the programme. Producing and delivering a litre of bottled water emits hundreds of times as much greenhouse gas as a litre of tap water.

Gaberieli was a porter at The Warwick Hotel in Fiji when Prof Sonia Williams of the University of Leeds, who was on a research visit to the island, spotted his potential.

His tutor John Pashley said: "Gaberieli's is a brilliant achievement. It comes down to his attitude and commitment, which have been top class.

"He has had to overcome huge cultural and language barriers, but his work has always been of the highest standard.

"He has been highly active in class participation and has also helped fellow members of the class who have been struggling. He truly deserves this award."

Gaberieli, who lives in Roundhay, can also be found training at Moortown Rugby Union Football Club.