WIRRAL shipbuilders Cammell Laird have taken on 50 new apprentices.

The Birkenhead-based firm's latest intake includes 15 welders, five mechanical fitters, one machinist, six riggers, two shipwrights, 19 platers and two pipefitters.

The new cohort of apprentices started with the business on September 9 and will also attend The Engineering College while they learn their trade.

Cammell Laird is part of the APCL Group, which offers apprenticeship programmes across the North West, South West and North East of England. This year, 72 apprentices have joined the Group in total.

The vast majority have gone straight into full-time, permanent employment upon completion of initial training.

David McGinley, chief executive of APCL Group, said: "I am proud to welcome the latest intake of apprentices into our business.

"Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of APCL, and we consider it a privilege to nurture the future generation of talent."

Mr McGinley added: "I am delighted to see such enthusiasm from young people wanting to achieve careers in the maritime sector and engineering across a wide variety of trades.

"I look forward to seeing them establish successful careers with the company and in addition, along with our second, third and fourth year apprentices across the business, playing their part in building customer success."