NINE apprentices are building a career after securing work with a civil engineering firm.

The Owen Pugh Group says the group will be trained in various disciplines, such as plant operations and plant mechanics.

The youngsters include Daniel Craiggs, Oliver Pratt, Paul Anderson, Hans Paulsen, Lewis Russell, Sean Dowling and Alex Davison.

They are undertaking a level three advanced apprenticeship diploma, which will see them become civil engineers by 2016.

The firm, which has its headquarters in Dudley, Northumberland, has also welcomed Joe Hutchinson as a trainee plant operative and Joe Horner as a plant mechanic apprentice.

Bosses say the move swells Owen Pugh’s workforce to more than 400.

Mr Pratt, 18, will focus on estimating, civil engineering and quantity surveying.

He said: “It’s fantastic to be given the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship at such a well-established construction firm.”

Martin Forster, general manager for Owen Pugh Contracts, added: “We were so impressed by the calibre of young people it gave us great faith in apprenticeships as a means of meeting our needs.”