Two youngsters are celebrating after completing apprenticeships at a couple of borough hospitality firms.

Bury North MP James Daly has presented certificates of completion to apprentices, Adam Lewis, 21, who finished his level 3 hospitality supervisor apprenticeship and Owen Sheen, 18 who passed his level 2 hospitality team member apprenticeship.

R&L Walshaw Ltd includes The Victoria Walshaw, Cosalea on Walshaw Road and the new Cosalea on Brandlesholme Road.

Both Adam and Owen worked across the three venues.

Adam’s first job was washing pots at The Victoria and he quickly became part of the team and progressed to work front of house serving in the bar and restaurant.

He went on to gain experience in other Bury bars and the returned to The Victoria to undertake his qualification.

The apprenticeship allowed Adam to broaden his knowledge of the industry

He added: “This apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to develop my knowledge of the role and gain a qualification while working.”

Since leaving school, Owen has worked had to progress through his apprenticeship.

He has excellent customer service skills and always goes above and beyond to strive to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Owen is keen to learn as much as he can from those around him and shows characteristics of a great leader.

MP Mr Daly said: “It was an honour to present Adam and Owen with their awards and speak with them about how the apprenticeship has been such a positive experience.

“They are both incredibly impressive young men, and it is brilliant to see a local company working so well with a local college to deliver this qualification.”

Company director of R&L Walshaw Ltd, Lisa Moore, added: “It's fantastic to see Adam and Owen complete these qualifications and gain recognition for the skills they have learnt in the hospitality sector which aren't always given the credit they deserve.”

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

To start an apprenticeship, young people have to be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education.

But they can apply for an apprenticeship while they are still at school.

They will need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship.

In the last academic year 321,400 people have started an apprenticeship.

To find out more about becoming an apprentice and being paid while you earn qualifications, visit www.gov.uk/become-apprentice.