A successful pair of trainees at Lakes College have secured jobs with a top firm after completing their apprenticeships.

Sam Meagan, 19, from Cleator Moor, and Jonathan Rowell, 20, of Whitehaven, who competed in a national competition - Skillweld - while at the college, will now take up roles with Hargreaves, a nuclear ductwork specialist and ventilation supplier, as welder fabricators.

They both started their careers as level one engineer students at Lakes College before carrying out apprenticeships with Hargreaves and completing a level three welding and fabrication course.

Sam said: "It's been a life changing experience, my time at Lakes College has prepared me for life and a career. I got a lot more out of my course than just welding, I gained confidence in myself."

While Jonathan said: "Apprenticeships are such a good opportunity to learn on the job and it’s even more amazing when you get a job at the end of it."

Alongside their studies, the boys were nominated for the 2016 'Apprentice of the Year' Golden Apple Award and competed in the prestigious Skillweld competitions.

Jonathan, who is in the SkillWeld Squad UK, will be competing against the UK's top welders to try secure a place to compete in WorldSkills 2017; hosted in Abu Dhabi on October 14-19.

And Sam, who came away with the bronze medal for UK Skillweld 2016, has been invited to try out for Skillweld Squad UK to continue competing.

Lakes College tutor and WorldSkills UK Welding Expert, Clive Bell said: "I'm extremely proud of both of them. I've taught them from the age of 16, I’ve seen them grow up and become fine young men.

"To see them become successful tradesman means I’ve done my job. I wish them all the best of luck for the future."