ASPIRING engineers who took part in an innovative training program with a global company have been recognised during an event at Bury College.

A partnership between engineering firm Doosan Babcock and the college gave 12 teenagers, who were previously not in work or education, the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications and develop skills to make them more employable.

As part of the 'pre -apprenticeship' scheme, they completed three two week placements in Tipton, Birmingham, at Doosan Babcock’s specialist training facility, as well as completing classroom based studies at Bury College.

Following the scheme, six of the trainees have been given full apprenticeships at the company, which provides a range of services in support of the power generation, petrochemical, oil and gas, marine, and process industries.

These include 16-year-old Antonio Lacitignola, from Radcliffe, Tom Hall, also aged 16, from Whitefield and 18-year-old Lewis Gore from Ramsbottom.

Lewis said: "The pre-apprenticeship was a great experience and it got me on track for the advanced apprenticeship. It not only helped me to secure a job but also helped me develop as an adult.

"I would highly recommend this to anyone who gets the opportunity. I’m very thankful to Bury College and Doosan Babcock.”

An event was held at Bury College to recognise the achievements of the trainees on the scheme, which was also supported by the Nuclear Industrial Partnership.

Chris Dickinson, engineering construction traineeship manager at the college, who co-ordinated the project, said: "I am extremely proud of the twelve students that have undertaken this life changing opportunity.

"The journey we have been on has been a like riding a rollercoaster, taking determination and perseverance, but I am proud to say they have made it.

"Over the last six months I have witnessed them all grow and develop into remarkable young adults."

Zoe Whittington, Nuclear Industrial Partnership Lead from the National Skills Academy Nuclear, added: "The effective partnership established between Bury College and Doosan Babcock under the Nuclear Industrial Partnership has allowed them to develop this bespoke traineeship course – a first in nuclear.

"They’ve been able to provide these young people with the foundations they need for their careers, making them the future of our industry.

"The Nuclear Industrial Partnership are proud to say the development and delivery of this brand new entry route to the sector has been one of the biggest successes of our programme."