A TEENAGER is celebrating after being appointed as a nuclear service's first apprentice.

Former Fred Longworth High School pupil Adam Lever has been offered an apprenticeship at International Nuclear Services (INS) in Warrington.

The 18-year-old Wigan and Leigh College student impressed bosses at INS in his interview to get the job.

Adam, who attained a triple Distinction* in a BTEC Level 3 extended diploma in mechanical engineering, will study towards a HNC this year before working onsite next year.

He said: “After attending the open event at Leigh College I decided I wanted to do engineering. I liked that I could specialise in the mechanical engineering.

“I loved the design aspects and using the CAD software- the facilities were really good and trips to companies such as Leyland Trucks showcased how industries use the software which helped me to see how I could utilise my learnt skills.”

Leigh College has developed partnerships with engineering companies such as Sellafield Ltd, MBDA Missile Systems and HUSCO International.

The government announced 2018 was the year of engineering which has led to more businesses appointing apprentices to tackle the lack of skilled engineers in the UK.

Degree apprenticeships which combine university study and workplace learning are being a more viable route into the industry.

Apprentices can also earn a salary at the same time and do not have to pay for training costs.

INS principal design engineer Ian Grainey said: “Adam repeatedly demonstrated his drive, his team-working skills and his commitment to engineering.

"Taking on an apprentice gives the student the opportunity to learn from experienced engineers, but it also brings a fresh new mind to the team.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Wigan and Leigh College, and in particular their Head of Engineering, Phil Collier, in supporting INS and getting our first engineering apprentice in post.”