TOP apprentices were presented with awards for their achievements by MP Neil Carmichael.

Mr Carmichael rewarded 10 trainees for their hard work at the Delphi Apprentice Awards Ceremony held at Gloucester Rugby Club on Thursday, October 9.

Delphi Diesel Systems in Stonehouse is the district’s largest employer with close to 1,100 members of staff and is recognised nationally for its exceptional apprenticeship programme.

The company, based at Stroudwater Business Park, assembles fuel injection systems for the three biggest lorry companies in Europe and has a track record of training the workforce, often putting those who have finished their apprenticeships through university.

Mr Carmichael said: “Engineering and manufacturing is one of the best things a young person can go into as a career, and I am delighted that these young people have completed their apprenticeships with Delphi, setting them on the path for success.

“We must continue to promote science, technology, engineering and maths as great career choices, which is why I am looking forward to the Stroud Festival of Manufacturing and Engineering next month.”

This year’s Festomane, takes place between Monday, November 24 and Friday, November 29 at various locations with an exhibition of employers.

The five-day festival is aimed at boosting employment in the Stroud valleys.

There is also a heritage day, a business road show run by the Manufacturing Advisory Service and Girl Power – a day of workshops and talks about STEM subjects for girls aged 14 to 18 with workshops from Dairy Crest, Airbus, Snow Business, the Royal Academy of Engineering and Renishaw.

See www.festomane.co.uk