Eleven new apprentices have joined Tata Steel Projects in Workington.

Six machining apprentices and five technical trainees have started work at the site this month.

Their arrival comes as business bosses negotiate the sale of Tata's Long Products Europe division to Greybull Capital, which is set to secure the plant's long-term future.

The machining apprentices have spent 12 months at Gen2 gaining the basic skills to move into manufacturing.

They will work on components for areas including the nuclear defence, oil and gas industries.

At the end of their training they will receive a level three NVQ extended diploma in mechanical manufacturing engineering.

The five technical apprentices have been at Gen2 since September and will work across departments including commercial, procurement and finance. Once their training is completed they will achieve a level three NVQ extended diploma in engineering technical support.

John Coughlan, director of operations, said: "The quality our clients expect in the market sectors we operate in require working to the highest possible standards and the new apprentices will gain valuable knowledge in working to those highest levels.

"TSP is not a steel producer but a bespoke design, manufacturing and testing facility, we have been in Workington and diversifying for many years.

"It is therefore with great pleasure that I can welcome our new apprentices and confirm that it is business as usual for TSP Workington."