A YOUNG apprentice has switched life on a Yorkshire Dales farm for a role with a global technology giant.

Christian Dunne's interest in engineering was sparked when he helped out on the farm.

Now the 20-year-old is starting his second year with Siemens, working on mechanical drives and geared motors.

And younger brother, Nicholas, is following in his footsteps – he has just gained an apprenticeship with the same firm.

"I worked at a big dairy farm for a year and helped an engineer there with the farm equipment," said Christian.

"He was a really good engineer and watching him repairing equipment, like tractors and dairy machinery, really sparked my interest in the subject."

Also, his girlfriend's father ran a motor vehicle workshop where he saw engineering in action, which further boosted his enthusiasm.

After completing A-levels in geography, history and chemistry, he saw an apprenticeship opportunity advertised at Siemens in Stourton.

"I was attracted by the Siemens name and reputation," said Christian.

"There were more than 60 applicants for a single apprenticeship in Leeds, so I was delighted when the firm chose me.

"I think my work on the dairy farm certainly helped as I'd experienced some real engineering.

"I'm now a year into my apprenticeship and halfway through my BTEC Level 3, shortly to start my NVQ Level 3 in engineering."

Christian's training includes day-release at Leeds City College.

He is currently commuting from his parents' home in Grassington, but he and his girlfriend are moving into a property at Cowling, which will halve the journey.

Christian says he is still weighing up which direction to take with Siemens in the future.

"Three years from now I will have done an HNC and then I can either study for a degree at night school or go straight onto the shop floor – I've not discounted either option at the moment," he added.

"I like the idea of progressing at Siemens – there are lots of opportunities to get skills and training in various fields.

"There's a programme of rotation, so you can work on heavy fitting, geared units, some rail service work and even a spell on the office side. If you're keen to work, they'll look after you!"

Siemens, which is active in more than 200 countries, is one of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient technologies.

Its work ranges from offshore wind turbine construction to the supply of medical imaging equipment.