An apprentice training programme set up by Welshpool-based precision engineering specialist Dawson Shanahan (www.dawson-shanahan.co.uk) has attracted a lot of interest from young people eager to start a career in engineering.

More than 30 youngsters have applied for a place at Dawson Shanahan’s engineering training school, but with just four places available, the firm has taken on three first-year apprentices and one Level 3 apprentice.

Starting at the end of August, the new apprentices will develop the required skills, knowledge and experience by working alongside experienced engineers on real projects, learning about both the theoretical and practical sides of engineering. This will be combined with studying at local colleges.

Les Reeves, joint managing director, said: “Everyone here at Dawson Shanahan is absolutely delighted with the incredible demand for our apprentice training programme.

“We received many strong applications, from which we have carefully selected four apprentices.

“It’s great to see so many young people wanting to enter engineering. We’re at capacity at the moment, but we hope to increase the number of places we can offer in the future.

“For now, though, we’re looking forward to our new apprentices joining us at the end of summer and getting their engineering education under way.”