ENGINEERING apprentice Sam Burton has won a top award in his first year with a March company. The 18-year-old, who works for Precise Component Manufacture, has been awarded the RB Organics Cup for Best First Year Apprentice. He received the award from Lor

ENGINEERING apprentice Sam Burton has won a top award in his first year with a March company.

The 18-year-old, who works for Precise Component Manufacture, has been awarded the RB Organics Cup for Best First Year Apprentice.

He received the award from Lord Brian Mawhinney at the Vogal Training 10th Anniversary Apprentice Awards held at Elton near Peterborough.

He said: "I was very surprised and honoured to have been given the award, which was totally unexpected."

Sam became interested in engineering as a career while studying at the town's Neale-Wade Community College.

He selected engineering, science and electronics as his main options and in 2005 arranged his own two-week placement with PCML to gain his first experience of working in a commercial organisation.

Sam created such a good impression at PCML that he was offered a Saturday job, which he continued with until he left College last year. The company then offered him his first full time job as an apprentice mechanical engineer.

PCML production director Gavin Goates said: "Sam thoroughly deserves the award; he works hard, always shows willing, has a very positive attitude and has an excellent attendance record.