NORTH-EAST apprentices have put their skills to the test at a German factory.

Eight manufacturing and engineering students from South West Durham Training (SWDT), in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, took part in a 17-day exchange programme with Siemens.

During the trip to Siemens' plant at Mulheim, near Dusseldorf, they learned about the firm's work on turbo sets, steam turbines and generators works.

The youngsters, who are employed by Mitre Plastics, food maker Quorn, and ADMR Electric Motor Rewinds, also took part in computer-aided design training.

Nigel Davison, SWDT centre co-ordinator, organised the exchange, and said it was a unique opportunity for apprentices to gain technical and life skills.

He said: “We pride ourselves in building quality partnerships with overseas institutes and have achieved an excellent reputation.

“Siemens is renowned as one of the world’s most innovative and successful businesses, so the fact our apprentices had the chance to travel to Germany was fantastic.”

Mr Davison added as part of an exchange programme, 25 German apprentices from Siemens will visit the North-East later this year to learn about the UK's manufacturing industry.

Trevor Alley, SWDT chief executive, said: “The North-East really is a hotbed for manufacturing and engineering.

“However, we want to broaden the horizons of our young people and show them learning can be applied to businesses around the world.”