FIVE Stadler apprentices have completed their training and have been offered jobs with the company, set to work on the new fleet of Merseyrail trains.
The youngsters have all passed their training and are now qualified train maintenance technicians.
They will work on the new Stadler trains which are set to be introduced on the Merseyrail network from 2020.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: "I was very impressed when I met these young people during a visit last year and I’m very pleased to hear that they have successfully completed their apprenticeships and gained good jobs with Stadler, where they will be working on our new trains, hopefully for many years to come.
"I’m passionate about apprenticeships as a route to a fulfilling career, and this is exactly the kind of high-quality vocational training we need in our city region."
Jamie O’Donoghue at work
The Stadler engineering apprentices studied all areas of train service, focusing on the daily maintenance, complete overhauls, the function of technical office, testing and reliability, electronics and stores.
Jamie O’Donoghue, one of the apprentices, told the Globe: "The experience of the last few years has been invaluable for the career path I would like to follow.
"It gave me an in-depth grounding in train mechanics, as well as an understanding into how a depot is organised and the necessary preparations to run a local rail network.
"I am confident the apprenticeship will stand me in very good stead for my professional life ahead."
The scheme works on a rotation basis, with apprentices spending eight weeks in one area of the business before moving on to the next.
Four days were spent at work and one day is at the Engineering College in Monksferry for classroom-based learning.
All apprentices now have an NVQ, level 3, and a BTEC plus three of them have achieved an HNC in electrical and electronic engineering with two others expected to complete this next year.
Hein van der Schoot, managing director of Stadler Rail Service UK, said: "We pride ourselves on taking on enthusiastic young men and women at the start of their professional lives and are privileged to play a role in shaping their learning.
"We are delighted that our hardworking, innovative and highly competent apprentices have all successfully completed their training and are very pleased to be able to offer them positions within the business."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here