Two young engineers have successfully completed their five-year apprenticeships at friction- welding specialist Thompson.

Paul Harrold (23) from Stourbridge, joined the company as a trainee controls engineer and has passed a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in electrical and electronic engineering at Dudley college. After undertaking a range of robot training courses, he is now studying for a degree in computer science at Dudley College.

Billy Gordon, 25 from Halesowen, has received HNCs in mechanical and electronic engineering from Dudley College; he is looking forward to a future in Thompson’s machine-testing and commissioning department.

Local MP James Morris presented the two with their apprenticeship certificates at a special ceremony at Thompson’s headquarters The picture shows (left to right): Billy Gordon, Peter Lovegrove (managing director), James Morris MP, Paul Harrold and Stephen Reed (head of engineering).