Seven new apprentices are celebrating after securing roles at Stainless Metalcraft in Chatteris.

The apprentices are all aged between 16-17 and will combine practical, on-the-job training with study at Cromwell Community College, Neale Wade Academy, Abbey College Sixth Form, College of West Anglia and Witchford Village College.

Developing skills across all areas of Metalcraft’s business, the apprentices have already undertaken a variety of activities, including meeting with Sellafield to discuss the Metalcraft’s £50m contract to deliver storage containers for its nuclear decommissioning programme.

They also had a presentation from the a nuclear research centre programme.

Austen Adams, managing director at Stainless Metalcraft began his own career as an apprentice.

He said: “Much is written about the shortage of skilled engineers to support the manufacturing industry across the UK but at Metalcraft, we’re putting our money where our mouth is.

“In order to be the best, we must attract, nurture and retain the best talent. Over half of our long-term employees have come through our apprenticeship programme, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

“We have ambitious plans to expand the scheme over the coming years – creating a true centre of excellence that will help us provide even more opportunities for talented individuals.”

The apprentices will develop their practical skills at the Fenland Engineering Skills Centre (FESC), which opened in 2010 and is located at Metalcraft’s Chatteris site.

The apprentice school contains a large fitting area, machine shop and welding and fabrication areas which can accommodate up to 10 apprentices each year.