MORE than 50 apprentices have been honoured at an engineering firm.

The students, who are studying advanced welding and fabricating at Hartlepool College, were recognised at Darchem’s plant in Stillington, near Darlington.

Bosses say 14 apprentices have graduated with Darchem after four years, setting the standard for a further 44 first, second and third year students.

They added youngsters spend the first 12 months studying at the college before working three years at Darchem with day release back to college.

The precision engineer makes insulation blankets for Boeing 737 engines and previously secured a deal to supply 350-tonne intake and exhaust fabrications for the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.

Billy Meijer, Darchem managing director, said: “There is a substantial skills shortage in the specialist engineering and manufacturing industry and it’s our duty to develop the workforce and train them up to a very high standard.

“Apprenticeships are a key part of our growth strategy.

“We have more than 900 workers, with seven per cent going through our apprentice training programme.”

Darren Hankey, Hartlepool College principal, added: “Darchem is an excellent example of a company looking to the future and preparing for a major skills shortage.

“Their continued support and investment in our students will ensure they will have educated and skilled labour for years to come.”

In the ceremony, Jack Ryder was named apprentice of the year in the first year intake, with Mark Harsley awarded the best effort honour.

David Garside was named apprentice of the year in the second year, while Jamie Read was given the best effort title.

In year three, Jamie Irvine took apprentice of the year and Adam Childs was commended for best effort.

The fourth year apprentice of the year was Thomas Murdoch, with Sam Buller winning best effort.

Earlier this year, The Northern Echo revealed Darchem was aiming to double turnover after building an £8m factory to target the nuclear sector.

Bosses say it will be capable of making large-scale products, including 350-tonne stainless steel waste boxes.

The company also makes specialist metal fabrications, fire protection and insulation products for the aerospace, oil and gas and automotive industries.

Last year, it signed a contract to protect Indian sailors with a fire barrier designed to withstand temperatures up to 1,000C.