A STEETON company has seen its first three apprentices 'graduate'.

Alicia Spencer and Joshua Cunliffe, both 17, and 19-year-old Joe Steel have all completed their year-long stints in Acorn Stairlifts' customer service department and have been offered permanent contracts with the firm.

They were presented with their certificates by Keighley MP Kris Hopkins.

He said: "Giving our young people the best chance to get on in life and have a rewarding career is vital.

"Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to learn valuable skills whilst earning a decent wage.

"The Government is committed to delivering three million more apprenticeships by 2020 and I am pleased that employers are now in control of creating new standards which is driving up their quality."

Acorn's group human resources manager, Kate Gledhill, said: "With Alicia, Joe and Josh being our first three apprentices it has been a valuable learning experience for all of us but a very positive one, which we're keen to repeat.

"All three have worked hard towards completing their apprenticeships and gaining their NVQ Level 2 in customer service, closely mentored by experienced staff."

The trio of apprentices said the experience had been a good one.

"I've learned a lot of new skills that I use every day to do my job," said Joe, from Keighley.

Josh, also from Keighley, said he would recommend the apprenticeship route to other young people.

"It's been more beneficial for us than staying in full-time education and we're still learning and getting qualifications at the same time as starting our careers," he added.

Buoyed by the success of the programme, Acorn has already taken on a second, larger intake of apprentices.