West Cumbrian training firm Gen2 has welcomed more than 300 apprentices in its latest intake.

An induction day for the recruits was held at Energus at Lillyhall, where the next generation of welders, technicians and engineers were introduced.

As well as traditional science, engineering and business apprenticeships, new options include nuclear, fire and rescue and project controls apprenticeships.

Among the intake are 33 students who have started degree apprenticeships with companies like Sellafield Ltd, Morgan Sindall, Jacobs and Balfour Beatty.

Jack Holliday, 20, of Workington, has started a nuclear operator apprenticeship which should eventually see him work on site at Sellafield.

He said: "I'm looking forward to meeting all the new people and a change of scenery from what I'm used to.

"I wanted to learn with Gen2 because I know they've got good career progression and jobs, plus a strong reputation in the area."

Ellie Owens, 16, of Workington, has started an electrical apprenticeship and said she hoped to get a degree once she finished.

She added: "I was at the Energy Coast UTC and we came here one day a week for practical work.

"That little bit of electrical work we did was what I enjoyed most so I decided to go with this."

Mike Smith OBE, chief executive of Gen2, said: "This continued demand clearly demonstrates the importance and value that our employers continue to place on high quality apprenticeships.

"With well over 2,600 applicants across the county, it also shows that young people are looking for alternatives to traditional education routes, including going on to sixth form and university.

"Increasingly they want to gain the employability skills that companies need as well as learn a profession while being paid, which is what an apprenticeship gives.

"This also shows in the quality of our applicants which has been at an all time high, and allows our employers to take advantage and nurture Cumbria's talented young people."