TWIN brothers are on the road to bright careers after securing places on a transport company’s training programme.

James and Matthew Barnes, 19, have taken up full-time engineering apprenticeships with bus operator Go North-East.

The success of the duo, from Easington, near Peterlee, east Durham, comes as companies across the country mark National Apprenticeship Week, which aims to celebrate the success of young workers and encourage more to choose the route as a career.

James, based at Go North- East’s Deptford depot, in Sunderland, where he is completing level two of his apprenticeship, said: “The team have been really welcoming – it’s a nice company to work for.

“I feel there is real job security, plus there’s the opportunity to progress my career.

“I would recommend the apprenticeship programme to other school leavers, especially if they have an interest in mechanical engineering.”

Like James, Matthew, who works at the company’s Chester-Le-Street depot, chose to follow in the footsteps of their grandfather, who has run a coach company in Easington for more than 55 years.

The twins’ training will be supported by time spent at Gateshead College’s £5.5m Skills Academy for Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing and Logistics.