A Bodmin-based microwave engineering company, Flann Microwave (flann.com), has welcomed three young engineers to its team as the latest recruits to its apprenticeship programme.

Over the last 60 years, Flann has grown to become a market leader in the design and manufacture of precision microwave communications equipment.

Operating in such a specialised field means the company places huge value on finding and developing talented new employees; in the last six years, it has successfully trained six apprentices, all of whom now work full-time as part of Flann’s 60-strong team.

The three new apprentices are former Bodmin College students Thomas Dorkins and Shay Bennett, plus former Wadebridge School student Daniel Leigh.

All will experience working in various operational areas of the business, while spending one day a week at Cornwall College in St Austell, studying towards NVQ qualifications in Mechanical Engineering.

Phil Pering, who manages the apprenticeship programme at Flann, said investing in apprenticeships was a significant commitment for the business but had proved to be hugely successful.

“One of Flann’s hallmarks — and a key to our success — is the quality of our people, many of whom have been with the company for decades.

“Identifying talented apprentices, nurturing them within Flann and working with Cornwall College to tailor their training and qualifications has proved an excellent way to pass on to the next generation of engineers the spirit of innovation, traditional skills and attention to detail that we value so highly.”