With four apprentices already attending college and plying their trade on some of the world’s most advanced CNC machine tool technology, Tamworth-based Industrial Tooling Corporation Ltd (www.itc-ltd.co.uk) has added a fifth young apprentice to its shopfloor, while a sixth is undertaking a traineeship in accountancy.

In July, ITC appointed 16-year-old Jack Pugh as its latest shopfloor apprentice, while 16-year-old Abigail James has joined the company in an accountancy role.

They have recently completed their GCSEs, and ITC is continuing their education — both practically in the workplace and academically at college.

Managing director Peter Graves said: “It’s critical to the future of the UK manufacturing industry that companies like ours invest in training and educating school-leavers who are interested in a career in manufacturing.

“It is our mission to nurture the talent of tomorrow and develop their skill sets on the most advanced CNC technology available.

“Our apprenticeship programme has turned out some great talent, and past apprentices have become an integral part of the business.

“Furthermore, the youthful enthusiasm of these trainees has seen them turn into motivated and career driven engineers that will drive our business forward for years to come.”