A trio of talented apprentices from a Braintree company have been nominated for awards.

Jonathan Barnard, 19, of Braintree, Joshua Ayling, 17, of Braintree, Jamie Matthew, 20, of Witham, are all first year engineering apprentices at Braintree Precision Components, in Blackwell Drive.

All three have been nominated in this year's EEF Future Manufacturing Awards, along with ten other apprentices from the South East. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Epsom on November 9.

If successful, the apprentices will go on to compete with other regional winners across the country for the national title.

Mr Barnard said: “It’s such an honour to have been recognised in this way. I know exactly how much hard work and dedication that every apprentice puts into their apprenticeship so being shortlisted is very special.

"I can’t wait to meet the other apprentices and see how I get on at the awards ceremony.”

The national winner will be announced at an awards gala evening in London earlier next year.

Mr Ayling said: “My apprenticeship has opened up so many doors. It has given me an invaluable opportunity to pursue a career in an exciting and vibrant sector where I feel my achievements are valued.

"I hope other young people can see this and are inspired to pursue a career in manufacturing.”

Visit: www.eef.org.uk/awards.