Two engineers are forging successful careers at friction welding specialist Thompson after completing their five-year apprenticeships.
Paul Harrold, 23, from Stourbridge, joined as a trainee controls engineer and has passed a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in electrical and electronic engineering at Dudley College.
He has also undertaken a range of robot training courses and is currently studying for a degree in computer science at Wolverhampton University.
Billy Gordon, 25, who lives in Halesowen, has been awarded HNCs in mechanical and electrical engineering from Dudley College and is looking forward to a future in Thompsons machine testing and commissioning department.
Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris praised the efforts of the pair when he presented them with their apprenticeship certificates at a special ceremony at Thompsons Hereward Rise headquarters.
He was also taken on a tour of the busy facility by managing director Peter Lovegrove and head of engineering Stephen Reed.
Thompson is currently building a range of new friction welding machines for customers in China, Europe and the USA. In addition, it has been chosen by Coventrys Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to supply a linear friction welding machine for research and development purposes.
Photo caption (l to r): Billy Gordon, managing director Peter Lovegrove, James Morris MP, Paul Harrold and head of engineering Stephen Reed.